Widow makes an appeal to bikers.

The widow of a motorcyclist killed in North Yorkshire last year is appealing to bikers to ride safe and keep speeds down.

Sarah McCarthy is working with 95 Alive The York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership to cut deaths.  Last year 15*  motorcyclists died in York and North Yorkshire that’s nearly a third of all the fatalities, although motorcyclists account for far less than one tenth of the traffic. Since 2004, 92 have been killed.

Easter is traditionally the start of the season, thousands of motorcyclists will be taking to the roads, for many they’ll be riding their bikes for the first time since last season.  In April last year six motorcyclists were killed on the roads.    

Stuart McCarthy a keen biker from Bolton, died in a single vehicle crash on the Hawes to Settle road last July, just a few weeks after his best friend died on his bike in the same area.

Stuart’s wife Sarah is working with 95 Alive The York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership to try and prevent further deaths.   She joined representatives of North Yorkshire  Police, North Yorkshire County Council and  North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue as the lead partners in 95 Alive, at a press conference at Squires Café, one of the most popular motorcyclist cafes in the North.   The aim is to encourage motorcyclists to Ride safe and Arrive alive. 

Sarah said: "Stuart loved to ride his bike and he liked to ride it fast, on the 2nd of July last year he came round a bend at speed and was killed instantly. The devastation that has caused is unbelievable, having to tell your 7 year old daughter that her father has died is something I wouldn't wish on anyone.

“We have lost four friends altogether in the past 12 months all at speed on motorbikes. I would urge all motorcyclists out there to be extremely careful when out on the roads. Enjoy your bikes by all means but please, please think about the speed you are doing - or are about to do.

“Please don’t take any silly risks, and before every ride out think hard about the consequences of excess speed. Think about your families and loved ones, your wives, partners, children, parents, all the people who are left behind and devastated when the worst happens, people like me and my daughter. Think, please.”

North Yorkshire County Councillor John Fort,  Executive Member  for Road Safety said:"On average 80 per cent of motorbike collisions in North Yorkshire were caused by rider error.   We want people to come to North Yorkshire, it's a beautiful place, but we want them to be safe.

"What we need to be most concerned about is complacency, people think ‘it won't happen to me.’ But it does. 95 Alive is urging bikers to make sure they’re in control and also think about getting extra training to improve their skills. “

Car drivers are also being urged to think bike and think biker when they are out on the roads, especially during the busy Easter holidays. There may be a biker around the next bend so take extra care and look out for them.

Sgt Sean Grey, of North Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit added: “ In April 2009 six bikers lost their lives and I would very much like to avoid another tragic beginning to the season this year.

For every fatality on our roads there is a family left behind who suffer heartbreak and devastation when their loved one doesn’t come home. Their lives are changed for ever, often because of a failure to heed warnings or road safety laws.

I am urging any motorcyclist who intends to visit North Yorkshire this summer to think very carefully before they come. Stop and think: Is this the last time I want to see my family? How will it affect the people I leave behind if I ride or drive irresponsibly, or ride or drive too fast.

If you ride dangerously in North Yorkshire, it isn’t just your family you have to worry about. If you enter the county thinking you are above the law we will be waiting for you and you will be dealt with accordingly.”

Deputy Chief Fire Officer for North Yorkshire Chris Anderson said the County’s Fire and Rescue Service is fully behind the campaign.

"The death of one person on the roads of North Yorkshire is a tragedy but to have 15 bikers die is terrible. This 95 Alive initiative is one method of raising awareness of the hazards associated with our challenging country roads and reminding bikers that they must ride within their own capabilities and that of their bikes. Similarly other road users have to be aware of motorbikes as they are much harder to see.

“NYFRS has several vehicles placed throughout the County which have large images on their sides to press several road safety messages home including the need to ride safely."

To spread the campaign the Partnership will be attending regular bike meets throughout the season including The Sun Inn at Norwood, Harrogate on Saturday April 3rd and at Squires Café, Selby on Sunday  April 4th.  They will have the latest information on motorcycle crashes, high risk routes and their hazards and information about subsidised higher level skills training courses that are available this season. They’ll also be attending race day events such as Olivers Mount later in April and the British Superbikes Championship at Croft in September. 

Motorcyclists are encouraged to improve their skills through rider assessments being offered by Bikesafe and Handle it or Lose it.  Course costs are subsidised by the 95 Alive Partnership. Details are available through the 95 Alive website  www.roadwise.co.uk