Appeal for caution after two biker deaths

Two incidents in two days

Two motorcyclists have lost their lives in collisions in Devon on consecutive days, leading to an appeal by the region's police and crime commissioner for greater caution on the roads.

On Thursday last week [8 July], a 51-year-old motorcyclist died in Plymouth city centre. A 38-year-old man from Plymouth was arrested in connection to the incident and remains under investigation pending further enquiries.

The following evening, a 45-year-old biker was killed in a three-vehicle crash on the B3137 near Nomansland in the Tiverton area.

Now Alison Hernandez, in her role as chair of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership, has reminded all motorists about the vulnerability of motorcyclists. 

She said: “As the weather warms up this week, and with the summer holidays nearly upon us, far more motorcyclists will be out and about, exploring the roads of Devon and Cornwall.

“As motorists, it’s our responsibility to make sure we are alert and looking out for other road users at all times – so please ‘think bike’ when you are out driving.

“Similarly, there may be many motorcyclists brushing off their bikes in the garage having not ridden them for some time.  I would urge you to be cautious and take your time to re-familiarise yourselves with you motorbikes, as well as making sure they are in a roadworthy condition.

Ms Hernandez, who is also the police and crime commissioner national lead for road safety, continued: “As always, take your time with journeys, don’t exceed the speed limit and let’s make sure everyone arrives safely at their destination.”
For more information about motorcycle safety visit https://www.rospa.com/road-safety/advice/cyclists-and-motorcyclists/ride-safe

The group Alison Hernandez leads, Vision Zero, involves organisations across Devon and Cornwall committed to cutting deaths and serious injuries in the region to zero.