North Wales Police launch road safety campaign to reduce motorcycle-related deaths
A dedicated road safety campaign, aimed at improving motorcyclist safety and reducing motorcycle-related deaths and injuries on the roads of North Wales is underway.
Last year 12 motorcyclists and pillion passenger were killed in north Wales, compared to six in 2024. There was also a 38.% increase in serious motorcycle casualties.
Operation Apex runs from early spring through until the autumn, covering a period that sees the highest number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured on the region’s roads.
During the campaign North Wales Police will carry out high visibility patrols on key routes that have been identified as risk areas, as we all as working to promote safer rider habits and encourage shared responsibility among all road users. The force will also be engaging with riders at popular biker meeting spots.
Operation Apex coincides with the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s (NPCC) 2-Wheel Operation – running from June 1-14 – which aims to raise awareness on how to improve driver and rider behaviour in the name of safety.
Chief Inspector Rob Rands, of North Wales Police’ Operational Support Services said: “Sadly, motorcyclists are amongst the most vulnerable groups of road users, and they are at a higher risk of injury and collision than other road users. Although a motorcyclist may not be at fault, their vulnerability invariable means that they suffer more serious injuries in a collision.
“We look at all motorists as part of the campaign, however, during the spring and summer months increased focus is given to motorcycle safety as larger numbers of motorcyclists take their bikes out to take advantage of the good weather and fantastic scenery we have here in north Wales.
“We will focus our enforcement in an attempt to reduce any further casualties and collisions by adopting a zero-tolerance approach. We, as the police, want to prevent harm and injury and allow everyone to enjoy the roads as they become busier and shared between all different types of road users.
“Road safety is the responsibility of us all – whether as a driver, motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian and I would like to take this opportunity to ask everybody to take extra care when out and about on the roads, to think about their behaviour and what changes they could make to improve their own safety and that of other road users.
“Due to the number of motorcyclists expected to be on the roads over the coming weeks, we are urging all motorists to be extra vigilant for motorcycles during their journeys and ensure they give sufficient room when following bikers. Motorists are also being reminded to be especially vigilant as they emerge from junctions, when turning right and on roundabouts – all of which have been a common factor in some of our collisions.
“Riders also have an important role to play in ensuring their own safety by travelling at an appropriate speed for the road, weather and traffic conditions, cornering left-hand bends, wearing high-visibility clothing, ensuring they ride within their capabilities and always wearing a helmet and other appropriate attire.
C.I Rands added: “Behind every casualty will be a family who are expecting them to come home. This campaign isn’t about spoiling people’s fun but encourages riders and drivers to be safe and competent with the aim of reducing the number of collisions.”
As well as patrolling the region’s roads, North Wales Police will also be working closely with NPAS (National Police Air Service) by utilising the helicopter as part of the patrol plan.
Officers will be provided with live data – highlighting areas where motorcyclists are gathering, and more importantly, highlighting where motorcycles are being ridden anti-socially and dangerously. The aircraft will direct officers on the ground to their location where the officers will stop and speak to the motorcyclists.
Sergeant Leigh McCann of the Roads Crime Unit said: “We’d like to thank NPAS for their continued support with our road safety campaign.
“We are committed to keeping people safe on the roads of north Wales – we want them to enjoy the roads but most of all we want them to ride and drive safely and responsibly.
“As a keen motorcyclist myself, I know that I and my fellow motorcyclist colleagues not only understand the risks, but we are passionate about how we can work together to reduce collisions.
“Whilst the vast majority of motorists ride or drive appropriately, 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.
“Over the coming months we will be out at popular biker meeting points, and we encourage all motorists, if they see us, to come over for a chat.”
Motorcyclists are being urged to take full advantage of the BikeSafe workshops which are planned for the year ahead. Bookings can be made via http://www.bikesafe.co.uk
Follow the Roads Crime Unit on Facebook via @NWPRPU or follow the hashtags on social media by using #OpApex #ThinkLife and #Fatal5
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