Newsroom
Police have launched a nationwide crackdown on dangerous motorcycle and moped riding after 14 riders and passengers were killed on Cyprus roads since the beginning of the year.
The weeklong campaign began Monday and will run through Sunday, Sept. 13, with traffic police carrying out targeted checks across the island.
Officers will focus on whether riders and passengers are wearing helmets, as well as speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and other dangerous behavior.
The figures behind the campaign are stark. Between Jan. 1 and Sept. 3, 12 motorcycle riders, one moped rider, and one motorcycle passenger lost their lives in road collisions.
For motorists, the campaign means a greater police presence and more roadside checks throughout the week. But the message is not only aimed at people on two wheels.
Drivers are also being reminded to look twice before changing lanes or turning at junctions, check blind spots, and leave enough space when passing a motorcycle. Riders can be difficult to see, particularly in heavy traffic or after dark, and a mistake that causes minor damage between two cars can prove fatal for someone on a motorcycle.
For riders, helmets, speed limits, and sober driving will be at the center of the checks. Police are hoping the campaign will serve as more than a week of fines and help prevent another family from receiving the news that 14 families have already faced this year.
