Twenty 'dangerous' bikers prosecuted over past two weekends

Police have been more visible on the High Peak’s roads over Easter weekend as they target ‘dangerous motorcycle riders’.

The area is a magnet for bikers, but 15 died on the roads of Derbyshire in 2024, including five over one weekend near Buxton last summer. 

The operation started two weeks ago, with 50 people spoken to about their speed and another 20 prosecuted. 

Inspector Craig McAughtrie, the head of Derbyshire Constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “There are few better places to spend a day on a motorcycle than Derbyshire, and we want everyone to be able to return again and again to our county and enjoy our roads. 

“However, on a far too regular basis we are having to speak to families and deliver the news that nobody wants to hear.  

“Any rider who wants to respect the roads, and behave in a sensible and legal way, will be welcomed with open arms.  

“But those who do not obey the rules of the road will find themselves with some potentially significant fines, points on their licence, or potentially even jail time. 

“Officers will be out in marked and unmarked vehicles, the speed enforcement van will also be across the Peaks, and drones will also be used to capture footage of illegal riding in order to prosecute those responsible.” 

A biker was left in critical condition after crashing on the Snake Pass last Saturday afternoon with no other vehicles being involved. 

Sergeant Patrick Haley from Buxton’s Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “I appreciate you want to come to the Peak District and enjoy the wonderful roads that are on offer, we just ask that you try and get the balance right in relation to sticking to the Highway Code, drive safely and drive with care. 

“We want to make sure you get home okay, but importantly, make sure that everybody else enjoys the road and the facilities as well. 

“We’ve got to make sure that we look after each other.”