Police chief in appeal to bikers after two weekends of 'devastating' accidents

A senior police officer has pleaded with his fellow bikers to ride with care after five were killed within 40 minutes of each other on Sunday.

Deputy Chief Constable Simon Blatchly from Derbyshire Police said, “One fatal collision on our roads is one too many – but to have five people die within a matter of minutes really is unprecedented.” 

Three riders in their 50s were killed in a smash with a van and a car on the A53 near Axe Edge at around 9:45am. The van driver and two people in the car were both taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

Another crash less than an hour later claimed the lives of 23-year-old Laike Hudson from Taddington and Dominic Gautrey, 28, of Barnsley.  

They were involved in a collision with a car on the A6 between Buxton and Dove Holes. 

“As a force, we see firsthand the utterly devastating after-effects of these incidents – with officers having to deliver the news to families that their loved ones will never be coming home,” said the Deputy Chief Constable. 

“Now, as a biker myself, I love to ride the roads of Derbyshire and understand all too well the pull they have on fellow enthusiasts from all over the country – which is why I want everyone to be able to come back year after year to enjoy them. 

“But while the roads may be excellent, they do not change the fact that motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users in a collision – and make up a disproportionate number of fatalities compared to the numbers of vehicles on the road.” 

These tragedies follow on from the deaths of two motorcyclists on the A57 Snake Pass above Glossop the previous Sunday, bringing the number of biker fatalities in Derbyshire this year to 13 – already higher than 2023’s total of eight. 

“While the investigations into these recent incidents remain ongoing,” DCC Blatchly continued, “We know that previous fatal collisions have been due to rider error, often involving speed. 

“There will be an increased police presence in the Peaks this weekend and in the coming weeks and I would urge anyone with loved ones who are bikers to reiterate our plea to come home safe. 

“And if you are out on the roads of Derbyshire this summer, please ride within your own ability – as well as those you are with – and ride to the conditions of the road. A mistake that might see you walk away as the driver of a car could easily be the last you ever make as a bike rider.” 

Police have appealed for dashcam footage of all three incidents.