Bikers' protest ride at police tactics >vid
Motorcyclists are planning a protest ride through Hull in opposition to an undercover police operation against speeding bikers.
It comes as traffic officers unveiled their latest weapon in the battle to cut motorcyclist deaths – a 186mph superbike.
The Suzuki GSX 1300R Hayabusa is fitted with a video camera and speed detection equipment.
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From today, Humberside Police traffic officers on Operation Achilles will be using the bike, along with a helicopter, to take video footage to secure convictions of speeding motorcyclists and car drivers.
However, members of a motorbike group have said they plan to stage a protest ride through Hull on May 1 to oppose what they believe are unnecessary undercover tactics - saying high visibility policing would be better.
East Yorkshire Motorcycle Action Group chairman Jolyon Lawson said: "The bike is unmarked and black and the chap riding it wears black and is on the radio to another vehicle who stops the speeding rider.
"That means you've got three speeding vehicles. It only takes a rabbit to jump out in front of either bike. I'd say that was dangerous."
PC Glen Dennis, East Riding casualty reduction officer, said the safety message was aimed at all motorists, not just bikers.
He said: "We're targeting routes with a high incidence of motorcycle casualties. There are people out there riding dangerously.
"Having the bike is the equivalent of having an unmarked Lamborghini, but it's not used for pursuit, just for gathering evidence. "There are strict guidelines. There are five officers on the force who can ride the bike. We're sensitive to allegations that we're no better than the people we're trying to stop."
As part of the operation, police have also released footage of dangerous motorists in East Yorkshire.
Humberside Police say the campaign is vital to cut the number of motorcycle accidents.
Bikers make up just one per cent of motorists. But last year in the force area they accounted for 18 per cent of those killed or seriously injured.
Comments
by StagChilli
Wednesday, July 11 2012, 8:34PM
“Come on guys responsible riders would not break the speeds limits so with the police intervention what do the responsible riders have to worry about nothing it again boils down to a small minority which gives the Bikers fraternity a bad name. I see loads of Bikers on some brilliant bikes respecting the speed laws of this land more importantly they respect the roads and other users on it. I respect them as well when I am in my car I always pull over slightly so the biker can pass they are not speeding and they always acknowledge when they pass with a low wave to say thank you. Police should just target the minority not the majority.”
by hcfchcfc08
Wednesday, July 11 2012, 4:59PM
“Jolyon, the solution is simple. If bikers don't speed then superbike won't speed as well.
Yes, it is old news and I'm sure I've seen 'superbike' performing on Traffic Cops. It was brilliant as he caught the speeding biker who developed a quivering lip when brought to heel.”
by lisat_22
Wednesday, July 11 2012, 1:42PM
“Check the Date!! This 'news' is over two years old!!”
by Foxache
Wednesday, July 11 2012, 1:19PM
“To all you bikers - try sticking to the speed limits.
You are not being persecuted, you are being prosecuted for dangerous riding.”
by Captain_Blue
Wednesday, July 11 2012, 11:30AM
“Just a couple of points really:
1/ This "news" item was posted by HDM on Wednesday, March 24, 2010. Perhaps this is a useful illustration of the lack of observational skills of the average car driver;
2/ Holy Joe, who resurrected this article, must have a lot of time on his hands to go trawling through the archives to find articles on which to troll.”
by GetRealPlease
Wednesday, July 11 2012, 10:04AM
“Will they stick to the speed limits during the protest march then? Probably the only time some of them will.
There are some bad car drivers out there on the road granted but my heart fills with dread every time I see a bike, or worse a group of bikes, coming up behind me on an A road. It seems most bike riders (and there are exceptions) have no fear, consideration, sense or awareness. I also notice that very few bikes use the motorways to get around, and those that do actually tend to stick to the speed limits. Confirmation perhaps that many bikers are out there for a thrill, not to get from A to B.
No support or sympathy from me on this one. It if makes them stick to the speed limits and ride more safely then it has to be a good thing.”
by PAH27
Wednesday, July 11 2012, 9:43AM
“I've seen cars doing this, I've seen bikes doing that, moan moan moan, blah blah blah..... SImple fact is that if you drive you car or ride your bike as you did when taking your test (sticking to the LAW) then this is all a non article to you.”
by JohnEG
Wednesday, July 11 2012, 9:21AM
“Magnumpti: I've often seen cars using those cycle lanes, especially on Anlaby High Road!”
by Magnumpti
Wednesday, July 11 2012, 8:51AM
“Perhaps they can also use it to stop motorcycles using green cycle lanes and green cycle boxes at junctions. Many times I've pointed out that the picture in those lanes is a BICYCLE but all I get is a mouthful of abuse. Quite ironic when bikers whinge about motorists' attitude towards them when they are the same towards cyclists!”
by superdredge
Wednesday, July 11 2012, 8:06AM
“I hope the police keep up there good work,you should see some of these bikers who use Boothferry Rd as a racing track because its long and straight.”