The section comprises of one sergeant and six constables and the fleet consists of 8 BMW RT1200 motorcycles for day to day patrols and 5 HONDA CRF 450s for off roads use.
As well as the day to day routine patrols the section has several areas of expertise and regularly conducts partnership operations with VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency), HM Customs and Excise in relation to rebated fuel (Red diesel) and Border Agency in relation to illegal immigrants.
One of the sections main areas of expertise is the carriage of dangerous goods, with in excess of 2000 movements of dangerous cargoes per week both into and out of Cleveland this keeps the section and our Hazchem (vehicles transporting hazardous substances) experts busy making sure the roads of Cleveland stay safe.
The section is the only facility within the force to provide escorts, and are frequently required to provide this service when members of the Royal family and other VIPs visit our county. The section also provides escort duties for visiting supporters for both Middlesbrough and Hartlepool football matches.
The force receives in excess of 5000 complaints a year in relation to the illegal use of off road motorcycles and quad bikes. The section regularly take part in operations in all four districts in order to combat this practice which impacts greatly on the quality of life of the residents who live on or close by the routes that the perpetrators of this activity use.
The section is very much education driven and has for the last eleven years ran “RIDEWELL” at Preston Park. The event is predominantly aimed at motorcyclists and cyclists but over the years it has grown into a family fun day out. Visit the Ridewell website here
The section also provides the opportunity for motorcyclists to have an observed ride under the banner of BIKESAFE, the scheme is designed to offer help and advice to bikers of all abilities in order to enhance their skills to make them safer and more confident on the roads. More information on Bikesafe can be found below.
The section has a strap line of “WORKING WITH MOTORCYCLISTS FOR MOTORCYCLISTS” and firmly believe that this ethos has contributed to the year on year reduction of motorcyclists who have been killed or seriously injured on our roads.
If you would like to find out more on the Motorcycle Section then please follow the links below:
http://twitter.com/#!/clevepol_bikes
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cleveland-Police-Motorcycle-Section/275160882507666.
Observed Rides - Bikesafe
These are open to all riders who hold a full licence and who have an interest in developing their own skills.
Hopefully this will whet your appetite to take further training with one of the local training organisations whose details we would be delighted to pass on.
Okay, so what's involved, well you come along to Wynyard Park on your own bike where we can have a chat and a cuppa before going out onto the road for up to 4 hours. The session will involve being followed and observed over a variety of road types and also give you the opportunity of following and observing us.
We will aim to concentrate on aspects of your riding you feel are your weak areas and hopefully we will be able to pass on our advice and assistance to make your riding smoother and more enjoyable.
There is no great secret to advanced riding, it is within the abilities of most riders out there, once you develop observational skills coupled with anticipation and positioning you are half way there, you will be more confident in you own ability, you will be far safer and you will certainly enjoy your riding more.
We may be using marked police bikes to carry out the sessions but don’t let that put you off, our only interest is keeping you safe and for you to continue riding for many years to come.
What's more these sessions are free so no reason not to have a go really is there?
Download an application form by clicking the link below:
Observed_rides.doc
Alternatively you can contact
Kevin Keay - Tel. 01642 301574, Fax 01642 301579
E-mail: ridewell@cleveland.pnn.police.uk
