Riders see red in Northumbria

In common with many other authorities in all parts of the UK, Northumbria has a problem with a rising tide of accidents involving motorcyclists. To combat this, in April 2002 Northumbria Police launched an imaginative scheme based on the issuing of red and yellow cards.

The initiative is called 'Weekender', a name chosen because many motorcyclists travel to Northumberland at weekends to ride around the county’s network of rural roads and lanes.

"We have seen a 33 per cent rise in motorcycle accidents in Northumbria over the past ten years" explains Linda Hall, RSO. "The Weekender project aims to correct bad riding practice through a yellow and red card system.

"Riders who are identified as needing guidance in certain aspects of machine control -such as overtaking, cornering or general bike control - are given a yellow leaflet containing advice to help them improve their driving. The incident is also recorded on a database to ensure any repeat offence can be punished next time round.

"However, if they are a riding in a careless manner or are involved in an incident, they are given a red leaflet," Linda continues. "This leaflet informs them they will be given the choice of appearing in court or attending the Northumbria Driver Improvement Scheme, which is operated by the county’s road safety team."

Further information about Weekender can be obtained from Linda Hall on 01670 533966 or lhall@northumberland.gov.uk.