Road Safety Patrols to Help Reduce Casualties Over Bank Holiday Weekend

Officers are hoping to reduce road casualties by raising awareness of vulnerable road users and promoting road safety in the run up to Bank Holiday, when typically more people use the roads.  

Motorcyclists and pedal cyclists are some of the most vulnerable road users. By educating others and raising awareness, it is hoped that this will help reduce the number of serious and fatal collisions which occur on Cleveland’s roads.

Matrix team officers will be out on Cleveland’s roads over the Bank Holiday weekend, engaging with motorcyclists and car drivers, providing education and promoting road safety. Where appropriate, enforcement activity may be carried out. This operation will run in conjunction with other forces around the region and nationally.

Officers will be raising awareness around one of the leading causes of motorcycle collisions, which is vehicles pulling out in front of motorbikes when they haven’t been seen. Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You! (SMIDSY!) is a phrase commonly heard by motorcyclists who have come to an abrupt halt when a vehicle pulls out in front of them.  

52 motorcyclists were injured in collisions in Cleveland in 2023, with three of these fatally injured.

Sergeant Mark Kewley from the Matrix Team, said: “As we approach Bank Holiday weekend, we know that more people are out using the roads, potentially enjoying a weekend away or a day out. It is everyone’s responsibility to drive or ride as safely as possible to help reduce the number of serious and fatal collisions on the roads.

“We don’t want any journey to end in tragedy and would remind people to be vigilant; and keep a watchful eye for bikers using our roads. We want to avoid as many tragedies as possible and would like everyone to be safe and be seen.

“We will have officers out over the Bank Holiday weekend, looking to engage with road users and provide vital education on road safety.”

Police would also remind motorcyclists to wear the correct protective clothing, which can help save their lives.