Hampshire Constabulary's mixed motorcycle message

HAMPSHIRE Constabulary have issued a warning to bikers following the tenth motorcycle death in the county this year.

However, the force's motorcycle traffic officers aren't setting the best example, having been involved in three accidents this year, one of them fatal.

Of the 10 motorcycle fatalities this year, 6 have occured in July alone.

According to The Daily Echo, on Saturday July 27th, a 45-year old Hampshire motorcycle police officer was involved in a collision with a grey Volkswagen Caddy van, where he sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries. The accident is the third involving police motorcyclists this year.

John Apter – Chairman of Hampshire Police Federation said: “This incident again highlights the risks taken by roads policing motorcyclists."

PC Steve Rawson was killed when he was involved in a collision with a car in Southampton on April 3rd, while PC Nick Barman suffered serious injuries after his motorcycle was involved in a collision with a car in February.

Hampshire County Councillor Sean Woodward said: “Riders can help too by wearing high visibility clothing, riding defensively; concentrating and anticipating the errors of other road users. I would encourage bikers to go on the  BikeSafe course run by Hampshire Constabulary in partnership with Hampshire Fire and Rescue. The course aims to help motorcyclists learn to deal with hazards appropriately, gain more confidence, improve their abilities and get more enjoyment from riding.”