Bike safety scheme 'cuts deaths'

Police said education was a big part of the safety drive

A scheme to catch speeding bikers in Lincolnshire is saving lives, according to police.

Operation Stealth began in April with a bigger police presence on the county's roads, new speed cameras and high visibility motorbikes.

Between January and September there were 10 bike-related deaths, compared to 18 over the same period in 2007.

Officers said both bikers and car drivers were now more aware of how to use the county's roads safely.

At the beginning of the operation, Lincolnshire Police said some bikers were using local roads as a race track.

Attitude change

Now figures show that 224 people have been referred to court because of speeding and officers have also handed out 961 fixed penalty notices so far this year.

Sgt Craig Dunderdale said: "We are very aware that it is not the end of the year and there is a large motorcycle event at the beginning of October, which we have got our fingers crossed for.

"But so far the efforts are beginning to pay dividends - we still have deaths, both motorcycle and car - however thankfully, they are significantly down on this time last year."

He added: "The key is attitude. People, both on motorbikes and in cars, have to realise how vulnerable bikes are and take responsibility for their actions."

Operation Stealth is expected to run into next month, and it will be reviewed as the weather gets worse and there are fewer bikers on the roads.