Motorcyclists account for one in five Lincolnshire road deaths

Motorcyclists account for almost one in five road deaths in Lincolnshire, statistics show.

The number of two-wheeled fatalities in the county remains ‘disproportionately represented’, say the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, which recently hosted a well-attended event to raise awareness about the issue.

“The Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership continue to identify motorcyclists as one of our priority groups to support with road safety initiatives, a spokesperson said.

“Since 2020, motorcyclists account for nearly 1 in 5 of those killed on Lincolnshire’s roads, and whilst the overall number of people killed and seriously injured in Lincolnshire continues to decline, motorcyclists remain disproportionately represented relative to the number of overall road users.

“In 2023 saw a reduction in motorcycle fatalities, but any fatality is one too many.”

These figures are reflective of national statistics while, combined with cyclists across the country, with latest available figures revealing 350 motorcyclists and 91 cyclists were among 1,711 road deaths in 2022.

Earlier this month the LRSP hosted their Bikers Breakfast at Police and Fire headquarters, attracting about 70 motorcyclists to have their riding style observed by advanced and police motorcyclists.

“This was a taster of a full BikeSafe day which run across the country and is an opportunity for bikers to develop their riding ability, learn or hone their skills and become safer riders on our roads.” the LRSP spokesperson added.

“It is important to recognise that motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable if they are involved in a collision and will often sustain serious injuries regardless of who may be at fault.

“It is therefore important that riders remain constantly aware of their surroundings, using good observations to help anticipate dangers on the road that may be presented to them by the environment or others.”

County stats show that last year five motorcyclists and two cyclists were killed on Lincolnshire’s roads.

The previous year (2022) saw 12 motorcyclists killed but no cyclists.

In 2021 there were 10 motorcycle deaths and one cycle death. In 2020 Lincolnshire saw six motorcycle deaths and four cycle deaths.

“Cyclists are also extremely vulnerable should they be involved in a collision and it is important that motorists ensure they pass at a safe distance and allow a cyclist plenty of room,” advice from the LRSP says.

“Cyclists are particularly susceptible to wind and air movement, therefore passing in close proximity allows neither party the opportunity to react if they are affected by weather conditions or have to avoid an object in the road.”

Motorists and cyclist are encouraged to report any dangerous driving in the county via the Operation Snap portal.

“Lincolnshire Police continue to carry out patrols across the road network, enforcing and investigating road offences by all road users to make our roads as safe as possible,” the LRSP spokesman added.

“Where collision cluster sites are identified, LRSP consider all options to reduce them, including engineering, road data and if appropriate, enforcement with either cameras or via our colleagues in Lincolnshire Police.

“LRSP is seeing an increasing number of submissions of either dash or helmet camera footage through our Op Snap initiative, and Lincolnshire Police will seek to prosecute in cases where sufficient evidence is available.

“It is imperative that as road users we all drive or ride to the conditions, ensure we adjust our motoring style when necessary to keep both ourselves and others safe and make time and space for each other in our busy lives when using our roads.”

What do you think? Can more be done to make our roads safer for those on two wheels? Let us know your views in the comments below…