Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership has distributed over 100 ‘THINK BIKE’ and ‘RIDE SAFELY’ signs across Warwickshire to encourage bikers and drivers to please #ShareTheSpace and look out for each other on the county’s roads.

The WRSP funded initiative, announced as part of the national Vulnerable Road Users campaign between 6 -19 September 2021, aims to support the growing number of motorcyclists by helping them to stay safe and enjoy the freedom that comes with travelling on a bike on some of Warwickshire’s most popular motorcycle routes.

The ‘THINK BIKE’ signs remind drivers to look out for motorcyclists on these popular biker routes, whilst the ‘RIDE SAFELY’ signage aims to encourage bikers themselves to take extra care on these often more testing routes through the Warwickshire countryside.

The routes for the signage were chosen taking into consideration both casualty statistics and the number of motorcyclists using the routes.

WRSP is extremely grateful to Keir Services and National Highways who assisted by putting the signs up on the following ‘strategic road network’ routes:-

• The A46 from its junction with A439 down to the county boundary with West Mercia
• The A5 from The Longshoot  to M42 Junc 10

And to Warwickshire County Council for distributing the signage on the following routes:-

• The A4091 from the county boundary through to the A446 junction close to the Belfry
• The B4098 from its junction with the A4097 through to the Coventry boundary
• The B4112 from Newbold on Avon through to Bulkington
• The B4114 from Mancetter through to Nuneaton Ansley Common
• The Fosse Way from southern county boundary through to Princethorpe
• The B4087 from the B4100 then onto the A429 down to Halford
• The A422 from Stratford through to the A429 Junction

Sergeant Shaun Bridle said “We are grateful to Warwickshire County Council and National Highways working with Kier Services who helped us get the new WRSP funded signage in place. 

“September is a peak month for motorcycle collisions and so there’s no better time to remind drivers of the presence of motorcyclists on our roads. We also want motorcyclists to help themselves by riding safely and upskilling by attending a course such as BikeSafe or Biker Down. “

National Highways Assistant Regional Safety Co-ordinator, Marie Biddulph, said:

“We know that motorcyclists are one of our most vulnerable groups of road users and it is important to us to do all that we can to keep bikers as safe as possible when out on the roads.

“The new signs will remind drivers to be vigilant for bikes but also encourage motorcyclists to take extra care on these particularly challenging routes. We would also urge motorcyclists to make sure they always wear protective clothing when out on their bikes, whatever the weather.”

WRSP is sharing these tips to help motorcyclists enjoy the roads

• Always gear up for a ride – protective clothing and helmets help protect you if you are involved in a collision.
• Just like a car you should regularly maintain and check your bike.
• Make sure you can be seen by other road users. Position yourself on the road so you can be seen and make sure you do not ride in drivers’ blind spots.

Last minute spaces have become available on the BikeSafe workshop this Sunday 19 Sept.  To book please follow the link bit.ly/3e9Yl8Y   More information can be found on www.bikesafe.co.uk/Warwickshire

To book Biker Down courses please click here 

The public consultation on Warwickshire’s road safety ‘Strategy to 2030’ closes on Wednesday 15 September 2021 and all road users including motorcyclists are encouraged to take part.  The details can be found at www.warksroadsafety.org

Please follow and like us on Facebook and on Twitter @WarksRoadSafety or search #SharetheSpace.  

Please remember, we need your help to make our roads safer for everyone.