South Gloucestershire | Archive | 2005 | July | 15
From the Gazette, first published Friday 15th Jul 2005.
WINTERBOURNE High Street is among roads being targeted in a new attempt to protect motorcyclists.
Signs are being erected between Dragon Road and Swan Lane in an attempt to crack down on the number of bikers involved in accidents. The temporary signs will display the campaign's website address www.smidsy.co.uk
Other warning messages will be placed at notorious accident hotspots as South Gloucestershire Council tries to warn drivers to be on their guard for motorcyclists.
Three other hotspots, which have been the site of three or more accidents involving motorcyclists since 2002, have been chosen for the signs. Cllr Pat Hockey, executive member for planning, transportation and the strategic environment, said: "Too many motorcyclists are being injured in road accidents in South Gloucestershire and our statistics show that a significant number are happening because drivers are failing to see motorcyclists, particularly at junctions.
"We hope that our campaign will encourage drivers to log onto the website to find out more about why motorcycle accidents happen and to keep an eye out for motorcyclists - one of the most vulnerable road users." Accidents involving motorcyclists are known as a "smidsy", which stands for "Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You" and the campaign is trying to target these accidents in particular.
More than 120 motorcyclists are involved in accidents on roads in South Gloucestershire every year.
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