Police get on their bikes to curb deaths on roads
WITH the good weather bringing motorcyclists to Wear Valley in droves, police seized an early opportunity to nip any road problems in the bud.Last weekend, seven officers went out on motorbikes to talk to dale residents and bikers about concerns over speeding and noise pollution.
Chief Inspector Tim Wilson, deputy head of operational support, said:
³Over the last two or three years, there have been significant problems with motorcyclists in the area.
³Although there have been no fatalities the growing number of motorbikes is causing concern for residents and motorists.
³We spoke to residents to reassure them that we will be tackling problems as they arise.² ³We didn¹t have to hand out any tickets and actually it was a really feel-good day.
Tyne Tees Television went out with the police, as did Cllr John Shuttleworth, who lives at Stanhope.
Chief Inspector Wilson said: ³It was good to have that support for what we are trying to do.
³The motorbike riders themselves were very compliant and were sticking to the speed limit.
³Only one person was warned about their speed.
³Another surprise was that their average age is about 45- they are just wanting to get out and enjoy a bit of freedom and good weather.
Weardale is often subject to motorbikers because of the beautiful scenery and quiet roads, but concerns were raised at Stanhope Parish Council in April that an accident is just around the corner.
Stanhope Parish Cllr Dennis Craig said at a Parish Council meeting: ³The situation up the dale is terrible and it¹s getting past a joke.
³It¹s just a matter of time before somebody who isn¹t on a motorbike gets hurt by one.
³They come past our farm like racers.²
Chief Inspector Wilson said: ³Their bikes have been in the garage for six months so they just want to get it out of their system.
³At the end of the day we don¹t want any casualties and will be launching our Bends to Die For campaign shortly to highlight the risks.²
