Casualty Reduction Scheme promoting a safer summer on two wheels
22 Apr 2010

West Midlands Casualty Reduction Scheme will adopt a fresh approach to influencing motorcycle riders this summer, by organising a free, one-day bike show in Birmingham. The new On Two Wheels urban bike show will offer a wide range of entertainment, demonstrations, retailers and activities with an underlying theme of improving rider safety on the regions roads.

Casualty statistics for the three years from January 2007 to December 2009 have clearly identified a need to focus on the well-being of moped, scooter and motorcycle riders. During this time, they represented less than 1% of all road traffic in the West Midlands and yet made up 16% of all fatal and serious injury casualties in road traffic collisions.

West Midlands Casualty Reduction Scheme (WMCRS) Support Manager, Lisa Newmarsh explains:

"We know that 94% of motorcycling casualties were males, a significant number were 17 to 24 years old and 97% of collisions occurred in 20, 30 and 40 mph speed limits. The majority of collisions occur on weekdays, especially in the summer months, in rush hour traffic between 4pm and 7pm. These facts tell us that we particularly need to reach young male students and commuters riding mopeds, scooters and small motorcycles."

WMCRS are keen to stress that motorcyclists are a vulnerable group of road users. In this region, nearly two thirds of collisions in which they are involved are due to other road users failing to look properly, or performing a poor turn or other manoeuvre.

The aim of the event will be to encourage safer riding, encourage all motorcyclists to take expert advice, participate in the day’s activities, book post-show training courses and improve their own skills for their own benefit.

Lisa Newmarsh continues:

"No 'shock tactics' or 'finger-wagging' will be used at this event. Motorcycling enthusiasts will be able to enjoy a great day of dedicated entertainment as well as having easy access to riding instructors, dealers, manufacturers, BikeSafe assessors and other experts in a friendly atmosphere. A lot of useful information will be available for young riders, commuters and parents with teenagers thinking of buying a first bike."

The new On Two Wheels urban bike show will be held at St Andrew's Stadium, Birmingham City Football Club, between 10am and 5pm on Sunday 18th July.

Entry, parking and many of the activities will be free.

For more information, go to www.ontwowheelsbikeshow.co.uk or download a flyer.

This event is supported by the Highways Agency.

Man jailed for perverting the course of justice
8 Apr 2010

On 15 January 2009 a Vauxhall Astra activated a safety camera in the Wolverhampton area. The registered keeper—a hire company—was sent a notice of intended prosecution and subsequently nominated their employee, Azaire Hakim, as the driver. Hakim then nominated another driver who ignored the NIP he received. Hakim was subsequently prosecuted for perverting the course of justice and sentenced to nine months imprisonment and disqualified from driving for nine months.

Lisa Newmarsh, Scheme Support Manager states:

"This is yet another example of people facing severe consequences when nominating other drivers when caught speeding rather than accepting the fine and penalty points. Perverting the course of justice is a very serious offence which can carry an extensive prison term."