Officers work hard to keep road users safe

Officers took part in a road safety operation in a bid to keep those who travel by motorbike or pedal cycle safe, as part of a national week-of-action.

The activity took place from Monday 10 - Saturday 15 June and coincided with the National Police Chief’s Council’s (NPCC) two-wheel operation.

The operation gave officers - with support from colleagues at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service - the opportunity to educate road users on the importance of staying safe, encourage them to look out for one another, and where appropriate enforce the law.

​The week began with officers attending Mossley CE Primary School in Congleton to escort more than 50 schoolchildren safely on their Cycle to School event.

They also ran workshops with the children, teaching them the importance of staying safe while riding their bikes - giving them advice on remaining visible, correct positioning, braking and bike security.

Throughout the rest of the week officers ran engagement events across the county promoting bike safe workshops, bike maintenance and conducted motorbike checks.

The Think Bike was presented throughout the week to demonstrate the devastating consequences careless riding can have.

Bev Abbey, mother of the 19-year-old boy (Harry Abbey) who lost his life while riding the bike was also in attendance at an event in Birchwood to speak directly to the public and encourage them to arrive home safely.

A close pass operation took place in Congleton, which saw covert officers cycling along an identified hot spot area while wearing body worn cameras. Uniformed officers then stopped any drivers identified as having driven too close to the covert officers. The drivers were then educated on how to pass riders safely and why this is so important.

The week concluded with officers targeting motorcyclists on the cat and fiddle in Macclesfield, encouraging them to keep safe while riding and where necessary enforcing the law.

Chief Inspector for the Force’s Roads and Crime Unit, John Forshaw, said:

“Unfortunately, motorcyclists and cyclists are over-represented within our road collision statistics, and we want to ensure we are doing all we can with both education and enforcement to keep them safe.

“This operation was about educating drivers to the vulnerability of those who travel on two wheels, and explaining the reasons why it is so important to look out for them, particularly at junctions, and to make sure they leave enough space when overtaking. It was also about educating riders on the importance of being visible to other road users and the significance of courteous riding.

“Everyone has the right to use the roads safely and we want all road users to be more considerate of each other, regardless of their chosen mode of transport.”

Pictured - Mossley CE Primary School Cycling Event.