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Bikers face a speed cut

James Ducker
11/ 7/2003

BORN-AGAIN bikers are facing speed curbs after yet another tragedy on one of the country's most notorious roads.

Garry Schofield, 35, from Audenshaw, died when he was in collision with another motorcyclist on the notorious Tintwistle to Barnsley A628 Woodhead Pass.

Now the speed limit on the winding, 15-mile stretch, which has 100ft drops at some points along some sides, could be reduced from 60 to 50mph - less than three months after the limit was cut on the A537 Cat and Fiddle Macclesfield to Buxton road.

Police are also targeting the A54 from Bosley, between Macclesfield and Leek, and the B5470 between Macclesfield and Whaley Bridge - both known danger spots.

The area covering both Woodhead Pass and the Cat and Fiddle road has accounted for more than a third of all fatal accidents in Derbyshire in the three years to last month, with a startling 68 deaths.

Despite considerable investment and continued efforts to improve safety, the death toll is rising.

Eleven motorcyclists were killed in 2001 and 400 seriously injured, but by last year that figure had risen to 15 deaths and 674 serious injuries.

By June this year, there had already been 13 deaths and 236 serious injuries.

Police have stepped up patrols and there has been a series of prosecutions for dangerous driving.

But they fear the problem is still growing and say the resurgence of so-called born-again bikers - older motorcyclists who buy high-powered machines in a bid to recapture their youth - is a major factor.


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Most recent 1 of 1 user comments

   This is an appalling gfact but not suprising given that this is the 4th most dangerious road in the country. Unless the traffic is reduced on this road the toll will rise. The Highways Agency proposed bypass will attract vehicles from the M62 compounding the safety issues.

Lets implment a toll on this road or a HGV ban to get more vehicles back onto the motorway system where they belong!!!
Jeff, Mottram
23/11/2005 at 10:29

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