| Operation Zenith |
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| Written by Grampian Police | |
| Tuesday, 13 December 2011 17:12 | |
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OPERATION ZENITH - 2011 Greetings,
As we approach the end of 2011, we wish to recap on this years biking season and keep you updated with how things are progressing.
This shows an overall reduction of 28% in all injury collisions, and a 66% reduction in fatalities since 2009. This is fantastic news, but we need to keep the figures coming down and we can't do it without your help. There can be no argument, it is in the interests of every biker to reduce the amount of motorcycle collisions in the Grampian area, and we need your participation. Have you had any near misses or unpleasant situations whilst on your motorbike? If so, the chances are that you might have got it wrong. It may only be one small mistake you make, which can lead to disastrous consequences. Advanced training will undoubtedly make you a better and safer rider, but it will also increase the enjoyment you get from biking and save you money on your Insurance. For the price of a rear tyre, you could get training that could save your life. We have yet to meet a biker who wouldn't benefit from further training. Grampian Police are to continue with the national Bikesafe scheme and will be running workshops throughout 2012. Full details, along with the dates they are to run, will appear on the Grampian Police website (www.grampianpolice.org) and will be displayed in motorcycle clothing and dealers' shops throughout the area over the coming month. You can access an application form from our website and return it along with the payment. By doing this now, you will have first pick of the 2012 dates, when they are released. With safety and further training paramount, we again held the Safer September event on 21st August at Woodhill House. Hundreds of bikers came along to chat with the Emergency Services, bike and clothing dealers, and the training providers. The manoeuvrability course proved popular, with 23 participants managing a clear round. The Bon Accord Motorcycle Club came along and showed everyone what skilful bike control looks like. In all, it was a successful day and thanks to all who came along. We were at the Grampian Motorcycle Convention on 4th September and were delighted to see so many bikers in attendance. The star attraction was TT racer, Guy Martin. We managed to have a chat to him and tell him about Operation Zenith. He was impressed at what we were doing and was happy for us to record him endorsing the operation in his own unique way! Visit the Grampian Police website (www.grampianpolice.org) for more information and pictures from these events. As we neared the end of biking season and as a thank you to the motorcyclists of the North East, we decided to have a film night. On 27th September we took the TT film 'Closer To The Edge' back to the cinema screen at the Belmont Cinema, Aberdeen. The film shows the racers as they prepare and race at the Isle of Mann TT. It shows the horrific consequences of high speed riding and risking it all on the road course. The night was attended by over 200 bikers and a good time was had by all. During these events, we sold raffle tickets in aid of the Sandpiper Trust. This is a charity that provides emergency response medical kits to doctors and nurses residing in the more rural parts of Grampian. In these areas it can be 45 minutes or more before an ambulance arrives at a collision, so these doctors and nurses can attend much sooner, along with the bags, and this really does save lives. Due to the generosity of the biking public, over £1,700 has been raised over the last 12 months. We will continue to raise awareness of the campaign to bikers and non bikers alike. You can help with this by following the link below and printing off a Think Bike Poster. Please put it up at your place of work or somewhere else where you think it will be seen and make a difference. THINK BIKER. We would again appreciate it if you took a few minutes to fill in the Operation Zenith survey. For doing so you will be entered into a draw to win a free Bikesafe day. Click on the following link www.surveymonkey.com. Throughout the winter, Bear (Scotland), Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray Councils have again committed to focusing their maintenance work with motorcyclists in mind on the three routes we identified last year. You can do your bit here by reporting faults etc to the following links: If you want more information on Operation Zenith or safer riding please go to the Road Safety pages of: Hopefully this winter won't be too harsh on us and we'll manage to get the bikes out from time to time. Thanks to all who have attended and supported us in Operation Zenith, and we look forward to an enjoyable and more importantly, safe 2012 biking season. Road Safety Grampian
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| Last Updated on Tuesday, 13 December 2011 17:43 |
As you may be aware, during 2010 we launched the first year of Operation Zenith, a five year motorcycle safety campaign for the North East.
