Hampshire Constabulary

You are here: Home → News & Campaigns → Press Releases → Portsmouth Police educate bike users about staying safe

Portsmouth Police educate bike users about staying safe

Press Releases

Published: 27/08/2010


On Wednesday, August 25, Safer Neighbourhoods teams (SNTs) and the Roads Policing unit joined forces with Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire Fire and Rescue to conduct a Cycle Operation across Portsmouth.

Officers stationed themselves in areas that have historically been problem areas for cycling in the past, with an aim of stopping commuters, raising awareness of the need to be seen by others, and advising about the benefits of wearing cycle helmets.

Officers from three SNTs and the Roads Policing unit took a multi agency approach to the day, patrolling Albert Road in Southsea, Fratton Road in Fratton, and The Hard in Central Portsmouth.

Sergeant Darren Ord of the Roads Policing unit said: "We chose these locations due to previous statistics of cycle-related accidents. In the last year, 123 minor injury accidents have occurred in Portsmouth involving cyclists, and we want to bring this number down by educating cyclists about the dangers on the road and the importance of staying safe. A total of 214 cyclists were spoken to in a space of two and a half hours, which is a fantastic result.”

Amber Kerens-Bathmaker of the Road Safety & Sustainable Travel Team at Portsmouth City Council said: "Our team were supporting this initiative along with members of the Healthy Pompey crew. Our main aims were to communicate with users and provide high-visibility clothing, free of charge. We want to maintain a safe and compliant city, and will be continuing to support the police in operations relating to public safety."

PCSO Emma Barlow of the Southsea Central SNT added: "Cycling without consideration for pedestrians and other road users is a very dangerous activity, and without the correct safety gear it can lead to accidents. By educating those who we see acting dangerously on their bicycles, we are avoiding future accidents, stress and upset, and improving the people of Portsmouth’s quality of life.”

If you would like to speak to your local Safer Neighbourhoods team or Roads Policing unit, you can call 101. To find Safer Neighbourhoods online, log onto www.hampshire.police.uk and click on ‘Your local policing team.’


Copyright © Hampshire Constabulary 2012.

News | Freedom of Information | Complaints | Reporting Crime | Disclaimer