Bikers are being urged to ride responsibly during an operation to cut collisions and keep the West Midlands roads safe.

West Midlands Police are warning motorbike riders against the potentially fatal pitfalls of dangerous driving and not wearing suitable protective clothing.

The force is working alongside West Midlands Fire Service, Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, West Midlands Ambulance Service and Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) the week-long campaign after figures show 18 per cent of road deaths involve motorbikes.

Officers will be on the lookout for risk-taking riders to coincide with the Motorcycle Week of Action this week. They will then be escorted to designated off road sites across the region where members of the emergency services will be on hand to graphically highlight the dangers and possible tragic consequences of being reckless. 

A mannequin showing how someone can suffer serious injuries by not wearing correct clothing and footwear will be used; while a virtual reality video depicting every day scenarios which could leave a trail of devastation.

The operation - working under the mantra ’What is your plan B’ - will encourage riders to think about the impact of sustaining a life-changing injury or on their family if the worst happens. If serious offences are seen and reported during the campaign then the force will pursue enforcement. PC Ian Hands, from the force’s road harm reduction team, said:

"The vast majority of motorbike riders are responsible on the roads but there are some who not only put their own, but others, safety at risk.

"We are working with our partners to highlight the consequences of this by using visual aids to make it as thought-provoking as possible so people don’t repeat their mistakes. 

"There will be a focus around educating riders so they safely ride in future but we won’t hesitate in enforcement action if we see serious offences where lives are at immediate risk. We want to make sure everyone is safe on the roads." 

Information will also be provided around BikeSafe, Biker Down and from IAM and RoSPA at the designated off road sites.