A LIFE-SAVING road safety initiative has just received a £1,000 donation from Poole council.

‘Doc Bike’ is an initiative run by Dr Ian Mew, consultant in major trauma at Dorset County Hospital and Dorset Police motorcycle instructor PC Chris Smith.

It aims to reduce motorcycle deaths in Dorset through rider engagement, education and promoting safer riding amongst motorcyclists.

‘Doc Bike’ also responds to emergencies, delivering critical care at the roadside, working alongside the ambulance and air ambulance services.

Borough of Poole's road safety team has awarded 'Doc Bike' £1,000 towards the cost of a new motorbike to continue the life-saving service.

Motorcyclists are statistically most likely to have an accident and the council is targeting resources on Poole roads that have seen the most motorbike collisions.

Poole mayor Cllr Lindsay Wilson said: "There is no doubt that Dr Mew is an exceptional person. Not only does he spend his working hours in a local hospital and with the air ambulance as a major trauma doctor, but he still finds time to work alongside Dorset Police assisting as a fast response doctor at the roadside.

"It was an honour to present this cheque which is going towards buying a new motorbike to enable Doc Bike to continue his life-saving assistance on our roads.”

Dr Mew said: “It’s so rewarding to see the local authority take road safety seriously. Preventing accidents from happening rather than having to treat seriously injured casualties makes so much sense and is better for the rider and reduces the strain on emergency services and the NHS.

"Effective injury prevention is cheap, saves society money and keeps riders upright, which is the most important thing! I’m so grateful for this donation and look forward to working with the council to further advance the project in the future.”