Posted: Monday 14 April 2025, 09:00
On Sunday 13 April, emergency crews from Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS), Derbyshire Constabulary, and East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) held a successful Biker Road Safety Event at New Mills Fire Station. Aimed at reducing the number of bikers killed and seriously injured on roads in the Peak District, the event educated motorcyclists and the public through community involvement and practical training.
The Peak District is among the most popular destinations in the UK for motorcyclists who enjoy the scenic and winding roads. However, the area also sees a high number of road traffic collisions where people are killed or seriously injured.
Between 2019 and 2023, there were over 180 serious collisions involving motorcyclists on roads across the area encompassing the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales.
Of those, men aged between 41 and 60 accounted for the largest number, while men aged between 17 and 25 have also been identified as a particularly high-risk group. Many of the collisions have taken place on popular biking routes such as the A515 Ashbourne Road, A6 between Buxton and Matlock, A623 between Sparrowpit and Calver, B5035 between Ashbourne and Bolehill and the A5012 Via Gellia from Newhaven to Cromford.
At the event, motorcyclists and biker groups frequently visiting the area heard from first responders and those affected by serious and fatal road traffic accidents. Guest speakers included former Chief Fire Officer for South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, Alex Johnson, and her husband Paul Johnson. Paul, a keen biker, was involved in a serious RTC in September 2023 that resulted in him spending over two weeks in a coma and the loss of his right leg. Paul and Alex were on hand to give both personal and emotional insights into their journey since the accident, with Alex also able to give her perspective as a wife, mother and as a former emergency first responder.
Paul’s story in his words: “Being a keen biker for many years I had read all the stories of people being injured and killed in motorcycle accidents and never thought it would happen to me, but on the 8 September 2023 it did.
“What started out as a nice ride out on my bike, soon turned into a nightmare that initially only my family and friends had to live through as I spent over two weeks oblivious to their pain and anguish in an induced coma fighting for my life.
“My wife Alex had seen all too often this kind of accident having been a firefighter for over 30 years; she feared the worse, but hoped for the miracle that I would pull through. My daughter Nell was only days off going to university and what should have been the best time ever exploring university life and planning her future. Instead, Alex and Nell, along with my mum, brother and fellow biker and best friend Steve kept a constant vigil at my bedside trying to come to terms with what had happened and the life changing injuries I had suffered. I know they had many questions about the future and what that would look like.
“I was airlifted to Stoke Hospital from the accident scene and rushed straight into major surgery. I had a broken shoulder, three breaks and an open fracture to my right arm/elbow and broken ribs. While the initial priority was to restore blood flow to my lower right leg, Alex was met by a surgeon who informed her he had to make a choice between my life and limb. They amputated my right leg just above the knee. Four days later a serious infection meant they had to remove the remainder of my leg. I am indebted to that surgeon and the team – they saved my life.
“I spent just over 3 months in hospital undergoing many operations, fighting infections and coming to terms with what had happened, and I hope by talking of my experience and the impact this has on those that I love and care for, will make others think every time they get on a bike.
“I wasn’t speeding I never went over 58 mph all day. I wasn’t doing anything reckless; my accident was just that, an unfortunate accident demonstrating it really can happen to anyone. I don’t remember anything from that day. I didn’t know whether I was riding my bike or the blood bike (I was a blood biker in South Yorkshire) The police investigation said that I had collided with a car coming out of a hidden dip. I was thrown from my bike and was found by another motorist in a ditch.
“I hope by speaking to other motorcyclists today I can help prevent other families from that knock on the door! I hope by giving an insight into the pain and anguish my family and friends went through, it will make others think about their actions on a motorbike and remind them to be more cautious, watching their speed and not taking any risks. By speaking today, if I can help prevent just one person going through such a traumatic and life changing experience, that will be a job well done.”
DFRS Group Manager, Darren Pick attended the event, he said:
“Positioned close to major roads and transport links, New Mills is a gateway into the Peak District, so what we want more than anything is for any motorcyclists that come and enjoy our beautiful county to return home safely at the end of the day.
“Today’s event has provided an excellent opportunity for us to work alongside our emergency service partners to raise awareness of the devastating consequences of road traffic accidents, as well as chance to educate motorcyclists about safer riding.
“A big thank you to all of our speakers today; we know reliving such emotional stories can be distressing for everyone concerned, but we know in sharing these stories we can save lives and prevent further injuries on our roads.”
A host of motorcyclists, biker groups, community partner organisations and local businesses got involved in the event, engaging in interactive bike safety demonstrations and workshops, and learning about local and national motorcycle safety and accident scene management initiatives like Biker Down and BikeSafe, delivered by first responders.
The event also raised funds in aid of the Air Ambulance Service and ended with a powerful show of solidarity. Highlighting the impact of motorcycle road traffic collisions and emphasising the consequences and resources involved in emergency incidents to all road users, a convoy of emergency service vehicles journeyed from New Mills to Matlock Bath with biker road safety messaging.
Speaking on the success of the event and next steps for Derbyshire emergency services in their goal to reduce the high number of serious and fatal motorcycle accidents in the area, Inspector Craig McAughtrie, who leads Derbyshire Constabulary’s roads policing team, said: “We know that many bikers come to the Peak District to enjoy the roads and the stunning scenery and we want that to continue.
“However, last year we sadly saw a high number of fatal motorbike crashes, particularly in the High Peak.
“That's why educational events such as this are really important as we just want to make sure all the bikers that visit our area enjoy a ride to remember for all the right reasons and can get home safely to their families.
“Throughout the summer we’ll be out carrying out extra targeted patrols across the many popular High Peak biking routes, offering advice and education and tackling illegal and anti-social riding and where necessary, enforcement action will take place.”
