Dozens of large warning signs are being installed across popular Teesside biking roads in a bid to reduce motorcycle crashes.
The ‘Think Bike’ signs are being placed at crash hotspots to encourage drivers and bikers to keep a look out for other motorcyclists.
The Shiny Side Up signs are very visible – big, bold and bright yellow, and are being installed on popular riding routes and where fatal and serious crashes occur.
50 signs will be put up around the area in the coming weeks.
The Shiny Side Up partnership (SSUP) comprises a group of professionals from road safety, collision investigation and police traffic management teams with a focus on reducing the number of fatal and serious casualties suffered by bikers.
The signage has been funded by Cleveland Road Safety Partnership and they have been previously successful in the East Midlands area in spreading the message.
Particular warnings on the signs reflect the main dangers on routes used regularly by riders.
Read more: 15 pictures of Fairytales and Legends event in Darlington town centre
Roads Policing Operations Sergeant Mark Kewley, said: “This signage is going to assist in bringing bikers to the forefront of people’s minds whilst driving.
“We know that motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable road users and it’s sometimes too easy to forget they can approach quickly and be hard to see.
"In some cases those in cars or other motorcyclists haven’t checked blind spots before moving out or have travelled too fast and this has caused collisions involving bikers.
“All too often we are called to serious and fatal collisions involving motorcycles, and so we will do anything that we can to help prevent them from happening.”
Andy Corcoran, Chair of the Cleveland Road Safety Partnership, said: “The Shiny Side Up signs are a highly visible reminder to drivers of other vehicles that they need to look out for bikers, particularly at this time of the year when there are more of them on our roads than usual.
"Bikers are some of the most vulnerable road users, so the signs should help to minimise the number of serious collisions at the locations where they are most at risk.”
Andrew Bright, of Cleveland Fire Brigade, said serious crashes are often down to excess speed, a moment’s lapse of attention or failing to read the road ahead.
He added: “Our advice is to use road signs to guide you around hazards, be visible and pre-empt the actions of others, particularly at junctions.
"And remember a second look could be a life saver.”
Shane Woodhouse, Head of Operations South at North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Sadly, collisions involving motorcyclists are still all too common, and can have a devastating impact on all those concerned, including the attending emergency service personnel.
“We hope these signs act as a helpful reminder and, ultimately, save lives in our region."
Read next:
- Doorbell camera snaps balaclava-clad man attempting to burgle North East home
- Major Darlington road to be closed TODAY causing 'absolute carnage' say residents
- North East fertiliser plant to halt ammonia production due to 'uneconomical' energy costs
If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here