A NEW unmarked police motorcycle is set to help educate motorcylists and catch bad drivers on the roads in Chester and the surrounding areas.
Cheshire Police will be patrolling its roads with a new unmarked motorcycle as part of an ongoing Cheshire Safer Roads Partnership campaign to improve rider skills and cut the number of bikers killed and seriously injured in the county.
In the last three years, 419 bikers have been killed or seriously injured in Cheshire, with the majority of riders being men in the 35–55 age group.
The black Yamaha FJR 1300 is fitted with full emergency lighting and sirens, and a high-tech video system that records directly to DVD and enables officers to add real-time commentary. Motorists stopped by the motorcycle officer can view the recording. Sergeant Richard Weaver from Cheshire Police said: “Officers on the unmarked motorcycle will be using their judgement and experience when stopping riders – engaging with and educating bikers as appropriate. For example, if someone has made minor judgement errors, then they’ll be stopped, shown a video recording of their riding and given suitable advice. We’re also looking to get bikers onto rider referral schemes, and post-test training initiatives such as BikeSafe and the Enhanced Rider Scheme to develop their proficiency and skills.
However, those committing serious and dangerous offences will be dealt with through fixed penalty notices or in the courts. The majority of bikers ride within the law and enjoy Cheshire’s scenic routes responsibly, but we’re still catching some riding at more than 100 mph, which is incredibly dangerous.
“We want to ensure that this minority, who put themselves and other road users at risk, will be dealt with appropriately.
“This campaign of education and enforcement will help reduce the number of bikers killed and seriously injured,” added Sergeant Weaver.