Police praise for ‘sensible’ bikers
9:08am Monday 12th May 2008
Motorcyclists around York, Selby and the rest of North Yorkshire have been praised by police for their behaviour.
With the sun shining bikers have been out on the region's roads in force this week and police say the vast majority were riding sensibly and within the speed limits.
Last Wednesday saw about 2,500 bikers attend the famous Squire's Café Bar, in Sherburn-in-Elmet, but police said that despite the numbers, most people were riding within the law and no accidents were reported.
The previous Bank Holiday Monday, 200 bikers gathered in Hawes, in the Yorkshire Dales, but again there were very few problems.
Inspector Chris Charlton, head of road policing at North Yorkshire Police, said the initial start biking weather has proved promising.
He said: "While this year's biking season has only just got under way, it is very encouraging to see that riders are taking notice of our safety messages and riding in a sensible and careful manner while still enjoying their riding experience. This is something that we encourage and applaud.
"Two-and-a-half thousand motorcyclists coming together in one place at one time significantly increases the risk of collisions and injuries amongst this very vulnerable road user group.
"I am really happy to report that no incidents were reported during the evening. This suggests that the message is getting through that North Yorkshire Police will not tolerate irresponsible and illegal riders, but we do want to welcome those that ride sensibly, safely and responsibly.
"We want riders to enjoy our county, not become another casualty statistic."
More operations were carried out this week under Operation Anvil, the force's current road safety campaign supported by the 95 Alive Road Safety Partnership.
Although most operations took place in the very north of the county, officers deployed to the A1 were supported by colleagues patrolling the A19 and A64.
North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service also supported the operation and deployed its community safety vehicles and fire appliances at service areas along the A1 corridor at Tadcaster, Rainton and Leeming Bar.