THE number of bikers killed or seriously injured in North Yorkshire dropped last year – as the overall numbers of those injured rose.
According to figures from the North Yorkshire Police 95 Alive campaign, the number of deaths and serious injuries dropped from 139 in 2013, to 130 in 2014, but the overall number of casualties increased from 338 in 2013, to 352 in 2014.
Although many bikers believe that car drivers are responsible for most biker injuries, 95 Alive’s research shows that in fact motorcyclist error is the main factor in more than 70 per cent of accidents on rural roads, rather than other road users or road surface conditions.
Tim Madgwick, chairman of 95 Alive, and deputy chief constable of North Yorkshire Police, said: “No one likes to have their skills challenged, but the fact is that some riders do overrate their abilities on a bike.
"We’re encouraging motorcyclists to question how they ride, and to sign up for post-test training to hone their skills.”
Wedding fair sweet delights
EVERYTHING from stunning dresses to delicious doughnuts will be on offer when the Hospitium hosts York Venue’s Wedding Fair.
The York Museum Gardens venue is open from 11am to 3pm on March 29 and will include around 40 stalls.
There will be a range of services such as floristry, bridal dress design and personalised stationary.
Guests can expect exciting stalls, a string quartet and lots of freebies.
Jennifer Chadwick, weddings and events manager, said: “We have invited suppliers that we personally recommend to come along to the York Venues Wedding Fair so people can see a wide range of products and services all in the one venue.
“There will be beautiful wedding dresses and bridal wear, photographers, make-up, cakes decorations but also some quirky ideas such as an ice-cream cart and a doughnut stand.”.
College’s newborn lambs have a spring in their step
SPRING has sprung – and a college near York is celebrating by holding its annual lambing Sunday.
Askham Bryan College is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors for a family-friendly day of activities and fun this Sunday. The event, which will run from 10am to 4pm, will feature tractor and trailer rides, a children’s activity zone, a market selling a range of produce and a café and picnic area.
But the stars of the event will be the lambs, such as one-week old Mary, pictured here with agricultural student Ellie Chew.
Visitors are urged to come prepared by wearing appropriate clothing, including sturdy outdoor shoes or wellingtons, and expectant mothers are being warned that the event is not suitable for them.
Entry costs £5 for adults, with under- 16s going free.
Young women urged to explore sciences
THE Yorkshire Museum teamed up with a grass-roots organisation to celebrate International Women’s Day by encouraging young women to pursue a career in science.
ScienceGrrl is a national group of female scientists whose aim is to share their love for STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects with the younger generation and promote gender equality.
The event featured talks about research in biology, nuclear physics, particle detection development and astronomy, plus a display of amazing gadgets. Dr Gemma Wilson, ScienceGrrl’s York co-ordinator, said: “It is our aim to inspire the next generation of women to find out more about the exciting scientific opportunities out there.”
Mountain climb to boost city’s hospice
STAFF at a York Marks & Spencer store have raised more than £5,000 for St Leonard’s Hospice after scaling Mount Snowdon.
The climb up Wales’ highest mountain by a team of 20 employees was one of a number of fundraising activities involving staff at the Monks Cross store.
They set themselves a target of £3,500 but managed to raise more than £5,000 in 11 months.
Store manager Claire Smith said that surpassing the target was testament to their hard work and commitment. “St Leonard’s Hospice is a cause that is very close to many hearts locally so we’re delighted that we are able to support their fantastic work,” she added.
Hospice spokeswoman Annie Keogh said the money raised would enable it to continue providing care and support to local people with life threatening illnesses and their families.
Mural from Bike Belles gets ringing endorsement
YORK’S Bike Belles have celebrated International Women’s Day by creating a colourful mural.
The Belles are a female cycling community coordinated by the charity Sustrans, who encourage smarter travel choices, in partnership with the City of York Council’s i-travel York Programme.
A team of 13 women from the Belles cycled on the National Cycle Network to a location near Naburn Bridge, where they helped paint the mural on to a seating area.
Sustrans coordinator for the Bike Belles, Sheridan Piggott, said: “It was an amazing, collaborative and creative day with a real sense of camaraderie in the group.”
She said: “It’s great to see this dilapidated seating area gradually transformed to a colourful piece of public art. We really hope that residents will now enjoy sitting on the seat in this peaceful spot.”
The mural was designed by local artist Liz Collier to mark International Women’s Day and celebrate women’s involvement in cycling. Sustrans Volunteer Rangers had previously given up their time and cleared the site.
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