OFF THE WIRE
This is The West Country
Figures released by Cornwall Council Road Safety team show seven bikers died on the county's roads in 2011, with 190 injured. The latest motorcycle collision and casualty statistics are based on information gathered from incidents reported to the police. In 2011 there were 206 personal injury collisions involving motorcycles on Cornwall's roads. 7 riders were killed and 190 injured. 10 pillion passengers were also injured. To try and reduce casualties, Cornwall Council runs campaigns including "Think Bike" and "Think Biker, Biker Think" to raise awareness of the vulnerability of motorcyclists among all groups of road users. Car stickers are available on request, as are CRASH cards. The council also promotes advanced training, and provides post-test training to DSA Enhanced Rider Scheme standard. Cornwall Road Casualty Reduction Partnership has also been advertising on petrol pump clips, using graphics intended to make motorcyclists think about possible consequences of their riding.
Although recent wet weather may have discouraged Cornish riders this summer, Deputy chief fire officer, Paul Walker said: "With the possibility of a dry Bank Holiday weekend attracting more motorcyclists onto our roads, we would ask that motorists look out for bikes, and riders look out for themselves." The 2011 motorcycle casualty leaflet can be downloaded from Cornwall Council's website www.cornwall.gov.uk\thinkbike where there is also more information about the CRASH card scheme, Think Bike stickers, training, and safety tips.
