Motorcycle crashes costing £2.25m

The panel says road users need to take more care

Motorbike crashes are costing Jersey taxpayers £2.25m a year.

A recent survey showed that just over 2% of traffic on roads was made up of motorbikes and mopeds, but riders were involved in 40% of serious crashes.

Now the island's Road Safety Panel is launching a campaign to try and protect motorists on two wheels.

The panel says the figures of crashes and how much they cost mean riders and other motorists need to take more care while they are on the roads.

Road Safety Officer Philip Blake said bikes were particularly vulnerable in heavy traffic when drivers often do not see them.

He said he hoped reminding riders and drivers of the danger of being on the roads could reduce the number of accidents and the amount of money they cost the taxpayer in emergency services and health care.