Motorbike injuries increase 400%

Police and council's in the East Midlands say they've seen a 400% increase in the number of young scooter or moped riders getting serious injuries - often losing skin and muscle so the bone is visible.

Now they've started a new scheme to make teenagers aware of the dangers of not wearing the right protective equipment. The Bare Bones website educates youngsters on what injuries they could get, and how to keep themselves from harm.

Warning:

• Riding motorbikes in vests, shorts and even flip flops in summer all too common – standard jeans and trainers just aren’t tough enough for winter riding
• The problem is that it is not a legal requirement to have anymore than a helmet, so young people risk it

Top five messages - Motorbike or moped riding is actually very safe – and safer still, with the right kit.

• Gruesome friction injuries where the flesh is worn away by the asphalt right down to the to bare bones are all too common
• Buying protective clothing can too expensive for some – Don’t cut corners
• The Road Safety Partnership is kitting out 50 young riders with £40 to spend on the right gear (Helmet/Gloves/Trousers/Jacket)
• They also get a day experience on the Mallory Park circuit, supervised by experienced riders
• This is all FREE on 23 Jan

Free day - with vouchers

Sunday January 23, 2010 at Mallory Park - 100 FREE tickets are available. First come first served.

Young riders are being given a rare opportunity to experience the famous Mallory Park motorsport circuit, the Midlands centre point for motorcycle enthusiasts, as part of a campaign to promote the wearing of suitable protective kit. The first 50 riders will get a free £40 ‘Golden Ticket’ voucher to spend on a range of quality protective items such as gloves, helmets and jackets priced from £20 upwards.

Young riders can use these vouchers to upgrade their kit immediately or later at one of three supporting motorcycle kit specialists. Lyn Rowe of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Roads Safety Partnership said: “The great thing about this event is that parents can send young riders along to upgrade their kit for free. £40 pounds toward an item of kit of their choice is a great opportunity.

Short workshops, one hour in total, will be given by experienced motorcyclists on the day. Riders will then experience the track guided by track safety marshals.

Parents are being encouraged to apply for the ‘Mallory Park Golden Ticket Experience’ on behalf of their young riders, by e-mailing lyn.rowe@leicester.gov.uk