One in seven (15 per cent) of fatal road traffic collisions on Gwent’s public highways have involved a motorcycle in the last five years.

Many motorcyclists will have heard the common phrase of ‘sorry mate, I didn’t see you’ from other motorists after their vehicles have pulled out in front of them, bringing the rider to a halt rapidly.

These “SMIDSY” incidents are one of the leading causes of motorcycle collisions and the focus of a new National Police Chiefs’ Council campaign as covers come off motorbikes ahead of the spring bank holidays.

Inspector Leighton Healan of Gwent Police from the roads policing and specialist operations (RPSO) unit, said: “SMIDSY situations are well known to riders, and sadly a number of these incidents lead to the injury or even death of a rider every year, so knowing how to spot them is the path to being a better rider."

Officers will be engaging with riders over the coming bank holidays and beyond to encourage them to ride smarter and safer as well as carrying out enforcement activity across Gwent

For more tips on reading the road, watch Inspector Leighton Healan’s video on riding safely during the summer