SMIDSY Campaign

A website and road sign campaign has been launched to banish the driver’s favourite excuse: “Sorry mate, I didn’t see you.”

www.smidsy.co.uk has been set up by South Gloucestershire Council.

The address is being sited alongside road signs particularly at bike accident hotspots to remind drivers it is their responsibility to look out for motorcyclists.

Pat Hockey, executive member for planning, transportation and the strategic environment on the council, said: “Our statistics show a significant number of accidents involving bikes happen because drivers are failing to see motorcyclists – particularly at junctions.”

The council says a recent indepth DoT study reveals that 25% of all bike accidents happen because drivers didn’t see the rider.

South Gloucestershire’s own figures show more than 80% of bike accidents at some junctions happen because a driver failed to give way to a motorcyclist.

Smidsy.co.uk offers advice and a downloadable leaflet for drivers.

It is reflective of the MAG Northern Ireland “Think Bike” Campaign and a very positive move by a Council to heighten driver awareness of motorcycles on the road. The website is well worth checking out and if you can download the leaflet for workplace please do.

Issued 19 July 05