As the roads become busier over the Easter Bank Holiday, the National Young Rider Forum (NYRF) is making a simple but powerful appeal to drivers: please take an extra moment to look out for motorcyclists.
With lighter evenings and more riders returning to the road, this time of year should feel full of freedom and possibility. Yet for too many young riders, it carries real risk — particularly at junctions, where a split-second missed glance can have life-changing consequences.
The reality is stark. Nearly three quarters (73%) of young rider collisions involve a car, and in many cases the rider is simply travelling straight ahead when they are hit. These are not reckless moments — they are moments where a rider has not been seen.
That’s why the NYRF has launched its new campaign, Drivers, please – a direct, human call to action reminding drivers that looking twice, and consciously thinking “bike”, can save lives.
Over the coming weeks, the campaign will be shared across social media, reaching drivers at the very point when more young riders are out on the road again. It’s a timely reminder that awareness – not assumption – is what keeps people safe.
Heidi Duffy MBE, facilitator of the NYRF, said: “Drivers, please is a heartfelt appeal to all those driving four wheels to take an extra look for those riding on two wheels.
“While we appreciate that there is a science to motorcyclists being seen, it is up to all drivers to look for all traffic before pulling out, turning or navigating junctions – and this includes seeing motorcycles travelling straight ahead on the road.”
The campaign also aligns with a national motorcycle safety initiative led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), reinforcing a shared commitment to reducing harm on our roads.
Behind the statistics are real lives. Over the past five years, 22,161 young riders have been injured in road traffic collisions. Of those, 281 lost their lives and 6,354 were seriously injured.
This Easter, one extra look really could make all the difference.
