Infographics aim to help young riders make the right choices this summer
The National Young Rider Forum is kicking off UEFA EURO 2024 with some friendly advice for young riders, in the form of four infographics highlighting potential ‘red card offences’ that could result in a fine, ban, arrest or even jail.
With England and Scotland playing in the tournament, there will be plenty of chances to watch the games at live events in towns and cities.
The NYRF campaign is focusing on four criminal offences that riders could fall foul of, which may lead to serious consequences and land them in court or even worse, prison.
Riding a motorcycle when impaired by drink or drugs is a criminal offence and police officers can ‘test and arrest’ if the rider is found to be positive. Even if the young person has drunk alcohol or used drugs the night before, the ‘morning after’ can find them above the legal limit and detained by police.
What's the penalty? It's an automatic ban from riding, fine and disqualification for at least 12 months – particularly consequential for those working in the GIG economy.
The second two messages are about how to ride and comply with traffic signals and signs, namely red signals at traffic lights (including pedestrian crossings) and ‘keep left’ bollards.
If it's ‘red means STOP’, it's ‘green to go’ for traffic (including people crossing the road). Therefore, should a rider fail to stop at a red traffic light, it puts them in the wrong place, at the wrong time, on the wrong side of the law.
The ‘Highway Code hierarchy’ puts pedestrians at the top of the list to take care of and young riders need to take notice of this and give them priority on the roads.
‘Keep Left’ bollards mean just that, keep left of the road sign, no offside rule applies here.
NYRF is supporting the NPCC motorcycle campaign (which involves police forces across the UK from 3-16 June), by highlighting what a game changer these messages can mean to young riders.
Together, the aim is for riders to make the right choices when out riding to ensure they keep on the right side of the law and do not suffer penalties.
The infographics will be released weekly to coincide with key games involving England and Scotland.
For more information, contact Heidi Duffy MBE, facilitator of the NYRF, via email.
