Launch of Police Operation Aimed at Reducing Risk of Motorcycle Related Deaths and Injuries in North Wales

Key routes across Wrexham and North Wales are to be routinely patrolled as part of a police operation aimed at reducing the risk of motorcycle-related deaths and serious injuries on roads across the region.

Operation Darwen, an all Wales campaign which launched yesterday, will run from early Spring through until the autumn and is aimed at motorcycle safety and reducing casualties on the roads.

The campaign launched at Rhug Farm in Corwen with support from Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure Ken Skates AM, and is part of a continuing programme to improve road safety for all through engagement, education and enforcement where necessary.

Over the coming months, officers from the Roads Policing Unit will engage with riders popular meeting spots for enthusiasts as well as certain routes as part of the operation.

Colleagues from the Armed Alliance Unit and Go Safe Vans will also be deployed on Operation Darwen routes, looking at all motorists to provide a highly visible presence at the main locations.

During 2016 seven motorcyclists died on the roads of North Wales. A further 79 motorcyclists / pillion passengers were seriously injured – a slight increase from 84 in 2015. Riding around bends, near junctions, overtaking and loss of control were the majority of the causation factors. In some cases drugs and alcohol have been a contributory factor.

Superintendent Rob Kirman, Head of Specialist Operations at North Wales Police and a keen motorcyclist said that reducing casualties on the roads remains one of the force’s top priorities.

He said: “Sadly, in 2016, seven motorcyclists died on the roads of North Wales.

“We know that bikers are more at risk of being killed or seriously injured in a road traffic collision than any other road user, representing 1% of road traffic but accounting for 18% of all fatalities.

“Reducing casualties on our roads remains one of our top priorities. We want people to enjoy coming to North Wales and riding on some great roads, but most of all we want them to ride safely and responsibly.

“Although Operation Darwen is aimed at motorcyclists, we do look at all motorists as part of the campaign. We will continue to target, with a view to prosecution, all those that ride or drive dangerously, at excess speed, overtake on solid white lines or commit any other road traffic offences.”

As part of the police operation several routes around the Wrexham area will be routinely patrolled, including the A525 from Ruthin to Bwlchgwyn and the A525 / A539 Ruabon, Overton and Redbrook.

Other routes include: –

– A494 between Dolgellau and Bala
– A5 between Betws-y-Coed and Corwen
– A543 between Denbigh and Pentrefoelas
– A5104/A494 Bryneglwys to Corwen

The route known as the ‘EVO Triangle’ will also be patrolled which incorporates the A483, A5 and the B4501.

Police are also encouraging bikers to ensure their machines are ready for the months ahead. For many it is a leisure activity which can see their bikes put away throughout the winter months and then brought out and used straight on the roads.

As part of the operation, officers will also be checking bikes are roadworthy, paying particular attention to tyres. Worn or under inflated tyres on motorcycles have been one of the most common themes during collisions, and yet is easily prevented by riders doing basic checks.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure Ken Skates AM gave his support to the campaign. He said: “Our roads continue to be amongst the safest in the world but for motorcyclists in particular, the numbers being killed or seriously injured are still too high.

“Campaigns like this, raising awareness and getting to the heart of the issue, are a key part of a wider range of measures aimed at making our roads safer and preventing future motorcycling casualties. This holistic approach includes ensuring motorcyclists are prioritised in our road safety funding, supporting Go Safe’s operation of speed cameras, funding local authorities to deliver Bikesafe and other motorcyclist training and introducing innovation projects aimed specifically at reducing serious injuries amongst motorcyclists.

“We continue to work with the police, fire and rescue services, local authorities and the third sector to improve the safety of our roads and this campaign is an excellent example of the hard work which is taking place up and down the country.”

Supt Kirman added: “The message we’d like to get across is please enjoy the freedom of the roads. It is a fantastic area for motorcyclists, and as a passionate biker myself, I want riders to be able to enjoy our beautiful region safely.

“Our officers – as well as partners from other emergency services see far too many tragedies, many preventable on the roads. Staying safe on the road applies to every single one of us, whether we have two or four wheels on our vehicle. I would urge riders and drivers to think about their behaviour and what changes they could make to improve their own safety and that of other road users.”

Throughout the campaign BikeSafe representatives will be out and about speaking to riders and promoting the initiative which offer free workshops in North Wales, subject to booking fee.

A number of BikeSafe engagement days have been organised for the summer months including visits to the Ponderosa, Betws-y-Coed, Corwen and Llangollen. Further details will be publicised locally and workshops can be booked via the BikeSafe website.

Social media users can also follow the campaign via the #OpDarwen and #RideSafely hashtags.

Riders are also encouraged to visit the Wales by Bike website for information and guidance regarding courses, routes and safety advice.