Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service are supporting a campaign to encourage motorbike users to stay safe on the roads.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)’s ‘Biker Down’ motorbike safety campaign will run from the 11 - 17 April.

The campaign aims to encourage motorcyclists to prepare themselves, and their bikes, to stay safe whilst on the roads.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) hope the week of action can contribute to reducing the number of riders injured and killed in motorcycle incidents on the roads.

Despite motorcycles making up around 1% of vehicle traffic, in 2020 they accounted for 20% of road fatalities and 12% of road injuries in Great Britain.

Key messages will also be highlighted during the campaign, including the importance of motorcycle maintenance and the wearing of legal and protective riding gear.

Angela Opie, Cumbria FRS’s Group Manager for Community Safety said: “Motorcyclists are over-represented in collision and casualty statistics nationally. With an increase in the number of people using motorbikes for both commuting and enjoyment, our aim is to encourage riders to do all they can to ride safe and ensure they do all they can to be visible on the road. This campaign at the beginning of the motorcycling season is a great opportunity for all partners to deliver a range of safety messages across the UK.”

Other partner organisations that will be supporting the campaign include the National Police Chiefs Council, the Motorcycle Industry Association, Trading Standards England, Highways England, the National Young Riders Forum, RoSPA, IAM and the Motorcycle Action Group.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service advise all motorcyclists to follow their advice when on the roads:

• The right gear - To travel safely and legally you must wear a safety helmet that meets British safety standards when riding on a motorcycle or moped on the road. 

• Bike maintenance - Whether you ride your motorcycle every day or you’re getting ready to take to the road as the weather improves, maintenance of your bike is important to help you ride safely and legally.

• Be visible - This is all about wearing the appropriate safety attire, working lights on your bike and your positioning when pulling out of junctions.

For more road safety advice visit www.crsp.co.uk/ and follow Cumbria FRS on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for information during the campaign.