Motorists urged to watch out for motorcyclists and cyclists across Harborough as part of a new safety initiative

Motorists are being urged by police and safety chiefs to watch out for motorcyclists and cyclists across Harborough as a new two-week initiative is launched.

The national enforcement campaign is being backed by the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership (LLRRSP) as they encourage everyone on two wheels to stay safe.

The special drive is being run across the UK and co-ordinated by NPCC, the National Police Chiefs’ Council, in an attempt to improve road safety and law enforcement.

Between 2016 and 2019, some 29 people have died and 236 seriously injured in collisions involving a motorcycle across the Leicestershire Police force area.

A further four people died and 143 were seriously injured in crashes involving a bicycle.

Cyclists and motorcyclists “continue to be two of the most vulnerable road users”.

Jonathan Clarkson, spokesman for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership, said: “Supporting this national campaign with local activities and increased enforcement is an important way of raising road safety issues amongst cyclists, motorcyclists and other road users.

“Unfortunately, cyclists and motorcyclists are over-represented within our road collision statistics.

“We want to ensure we are doing all we can with both education and enforcement to keep these two groups safer.”

Police will be conducting operations to enforce compliance of road traffic regulations and improve driver/rider behaviour during the current clampdown.

“The campaign also coincides with the start of our seasonal speed camera van enforcement on our popular motorcycle routes,” added Jonathan.