Bike friendly Durham cops get national award

Durham’s motorbike cops have been given a national award for their trailblazing efforts to reduce road deaths and improve relationships with bikers.

The eight-strong team – billed as the UK’s most bike friendly coppers – has been presented with a Prince Michael International Road Safety Award, which recognises initiatives such as BikeWise, a family fun day held at police headquarters and BikeWise Training – a scheme designed to improve riders’ skills run in conjunction with Durham County Council.

“Motorcyclists are traditionally seen as difficult to reach and sometimes reluctant to get involved with local authorities or the police,” said Sgt Iain Rodgers, head of the motorcycle section.

“But the first ‘BikeWise’ event back in 1995 started the process of breaking down barriers and working with motorcyclists to make our roads safer.

“By collaborating with our partners, such as the county council we have bucked the national trend to record big casualty reductions across County Durham and Darlington in that time.

“We are also receiving far fewer complaints of bike-related anti-social behaviour compared to a few years ago,” said Rodgers.

“It’s a great honour to get this award from an organisation which is dedicated to promoting road safety.”