Avon and Somerset Police launch campaign to enhance motorcycle safety
Operation Apex focuses on reducing collisions involving two-wheeled road users
Avon and Somerset Police have initiated a summer campaign aimed at enhancing motorcycle safety and reducing serious road collisions involving motorcyclists and other two-wheeled road users.
Operation Apex, running throughout June, is part of a national effort to address the vulnerability of motorcyclists who, although they comprise 1-2 per cent of road users, account for nearly a quarter of fatal and serious injury collisions in the UK.
In 2025, the region saw 39% of fatal or serious injury collisions involving powered two-wheelers, including motorcycles, e-scooters, Sur-Rons, and electric bikes, with 46 motorcyclist fatalities recorded since 2022.
The campaign aims to engage all road users in sharing responsibility for preventing collisions, particularly as more riders hit the roads with improved weather.
Police activity under the campaign includes patrols of high-risk routes, engagement on safer riding, enforcement against dangerous driving, and advice for both riders and drivers.
Roads Policing Inspector Matt Boiles stressed the role of visibility and awareness in preventing accidents, highlighting the need for drivers to improve hazard perception and recognize motorcycles on the roads.
“Motorcyclists and other two-wheel users remain some of the most vulnerable people on our roads and the consequences when things go wrong can be devastating," Boiles said.
Avon and Somerset Police encourage riders to enroll in the Raise Your Ride course, offered in partnership with Somerset Road Safety.
This initiative is designed to bolster riders' skills, confidence, and road awareness.
Drivers are reminded to implement simple safety measures, such as double-checking junctions, ensuring a safe distance when overtaking, and utilizing the 'Dutch Reach' method to prevent dooring incidents.