Campaign to save bikers on North East roads

Think bike: Biker Darren Edwards is appealing for people to take a second look for bikes

Motorists are urged to take a second look for motorbikes as it’s revealed that during the past year, the number of biker collisions and fatalities has risen across the region.

During the last five years over half of all motorcycle collisions in the region resulted in the biker’s death or serious injury – with many caused by a simple failure to look properly by either the biker or driver.

With 71% of these biker collisions taking place on urban roads, local authority campaign group Road Safety GB North East (RSGB NE) is launching a new campaign with the emergency services aimed at helping to keep riders safe.

Peter Slater, Chair of RSGB NE, said during the last five years (2020 – 2024), there had been 1,467 biker collisions on the region’s roads, with 63 motorcyclists killed, 742 seriously injured, and 662 slightly injured.

During the spring and summer more bikers are likely to be out on the roads, leading to an increased risk of casualties.

“As we see more bikes out on the roads, we are urging all motorists to be vigilant, especially when it comes to junctions as we know that almost two thirds of collisions involving urban bikers occur within 20m of a junction, often at T or staggered junctions,” said Peter.

“We continue to be concerned that more than half of all bike collisions result in a rider either losing their life or being seriously injured. Bikers account for less than 1% of vehicle miles travelled on the region’s roads, but they account for 18% of those that are killed or seriously injured, so there is much more that we can do.

“Sometimes drivers simply do not see bikers, so we are appealing to all road-users – take a second look for bikes and always look over your shoulder before pulling out.”

Biker Darren Edwards, from Crook in County Durham, is featuring in a campaign video for RSGB NE, after witnessing so many risky manoeuvres from both drivers and bikers over the years. He said people needed to take responsibility when on the roads.

“Always ride within your means, conditions and skills,” said Darren.

“Even when you’re out riding in a group, don’t try to do what others do. Be your own rider and put your safety first. Be mindful that other road-users won’t always see you, so you have to try to see them first.

“And I would just appeal to drivers to think about bikers when they’re out and about. Always give a second glance to make sure the road is clear.”

Sergeant Mark Kewley from Cleveland Police’s Matrix Team, said: “We don’t want any journey to end in tragedy and with the better weather more people are out using the roads, potentially enjoying a weekend away or a day out. It is everyone’s responsibility to drive or ride as safely as possible to help reduce the number of serious and fatal collisions on the roads and within our communities.”

The latest figures show that a large percentage of casualties are caused by a failure to look, by either the biker or driver, or because the motorcyclist lost control of the bike. Two thirds of motorcyclists injured on urban roads were also under the age of 35.

Kevin Bell, Community Safety Manager, at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CCDFRS), said: “We’re appealing for drivers to take a second look for motorbikes – particularly at junctions and when overtaking – because it could save a life.

“We urge bikers to always wear a helmet that meets British Safety Standards, along with protective, high-visibility clothing. Maintain your bike and check the tyres are in good condition before setting off, and scan the road ahead for hazards, slow down and ride for the conditions of the roads.”

Durham’s Strategic Roads Policing Inspector, Andrew Howarth, said: “Durham Police has seen a spike in motorbike-related fatalities and serious injuries this last year.

“Durham Police Motorcycle Unit will be holding several workshops under the Bike Safe Initiative, which is designed to provide riders with skills and knowledge to be safer on our roads reducing collisions.

“And the Force will be conducting several operations in Spring and Summer 2025, educating riders and where necessary seizing those bikes causing anti-social behaviour.”

Group Manager Steve Thomas, Head of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s Prevention and Education team, said: “Being observant and aware of your surroundings are effective driving skills to have, and could help to save someone’s life.

“We would always urge people to regularly check their mirrors for other road-users, including motorcyclists. Our firefighters attend hundreds of road traffic collisions each year, where some of them could’ve been avoided with additional care and attention on the region’s roads.”

Sergeant Steve Armstrong, of Northumbria Police’s Motorcycle Unit, said: “Everyone has a vital role to play in keeping all road-users safe – especially those who may be more at risk of serious injury or harm, such as motorbike riders. Please take extra care and remember to look twice and think bike.”

The breakdown across local authority areas of collisions involving motorcyclists between 2020 and 2024 is below. County Durham and Northumberland see the highest number of motorcyclist casualties, but given their size and the rural nature of the roads, this is to be expected.

However, cities and towns across the region also see high numbers of bike casualties, demonstrating that biker collisions are common across both urban and rural areas.