Patrols increase to reduce motorbike fatalities

Patrols increase to reduce motorbike fatalities

Dear Resident,

Our police motorcyclists will be carrying out extra patrols over the coming month as part of work to reduce collisions.

Last year (2025) 11 motorcyclists were killed in collisions in Cambridgeshire and 56 were seriously injured. This compares to eight fatalities in 2024 and 69 serious injuries.

PC AJ Boddington, Casualty Reduction Officer, said: “Sadly last year saw our highest number of motorcycle fatalities in years.

“Motorcyclists make up just 1% of road users nationally but account for around 20% of those killed or seriously injured.

“We know that they are among our most vulnerable road users and we can all play a part in reducing road deaths and serious collisions.

“This time of year, we tend to see more motorbikes on the roads, and I would urge riders coming back into riding to refresh their rider safety and consider signing up to courses such as BikeSafe and Biker Down.

“And equally it is important other road users think bike always. Looking at junctions and being aware of vulnerable road users like motorcyclists.

“We all share responsibility. Every journey, long or short, is an opportunity to ride or drive safely, so everyone arrives home.”

Specially trained police motorcyclists will carry out patrols in hotspot areas for collisions, offering advice to all motorists and enforcing any poor driving and riding.

PC Boddington added: “Our specialist motorbike officers are carrying out targeted patrols to reduce collisions, using both enforcement and rider/motorist education to make our roads safer for everyone.”

Motorcycle casualties per year and injury severity

	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025
Slight	105	69	113	100	100	87	58
Serious	62	75	64	87	70	69	56
Fatal	2	3	6	8	5	8	11

Safety advice for motorcyclists:

Riders: take every precaution

All The Gear, All The Time: use a helmet with a high SHARP rating, impact‑certified jacket, gloves, trousers, and boots. Bright and reflective gear boosts visibility, all the time

Maintenance matters: check tyres, brakes, lights, mirrors, chain and fluid levels before every ride

Ride defensively using the IPSGA approach: consider Information – Position – Speed – Gear – Acceleration to navigate hazards safely

Stay visible: use lights at all times and position yourself where drivers can see you - especially at junctions or where obstructions exist

Ride to arrive: adjust speed to road, traffic and weather conditions

Consider advanced training: Cambridgeshire Constabulary - BikeSafe

Safety advice for motorists:

Drivers and other road users: Think Biker

Take longer to look: look, look and look again, especially at junctions, before you pull out, change lanes or open a door

Time and Space: give other road users space when overtaking, don’t tailgate, and be patient when filtering bikes pass through traffic

Expect bikes everywhere: riders may pass on either side at low speeds or in traffic - remain vigilant

Be extra careful on rural roads and bends - uneven surfaces like gravel, potholes or manholes can quickly send a bike rider off course

Kind regards,

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