THE inspirational mum of a ‘brilliant’ son who died in a heartbreaking motorbike crash is encouraging riders to stay safe.
Harry Abbey, from Culcheth, Warrington was riding a motorbike to work when he collided with a combine harvester at the junction of Hollins Lane and Watery Lane on July 21, 2021.
The 19-year-old was bright, intelligent, a keen mathematician and good in the kitchen, and he wanted to become a motor mechanic due to his love of bikes.
His heartbroken mother Bev Abbey has been sharing Harry’s story to bike riders to always think about safety when out for a ride.
She was in attendance at an event in Birchwood to speak directly to the public and encourage them to arrive home safely.
The talk came as part of a national week-of-action by the National Police Chief’s Council focused on road safety for those who travel by motorbike or pedal cycle.
In November, Bev gave Harry’s bike to Cheshire Police to be used by the roads education team, which has been taking the bike to schools and colleges across the county.
Bev and Harry’s three siblings – Amy, Lucy and Tom – also bravely opened up on the impact losing Harry has had on them to show to young people that their lives matter to those they leave behind – and encourage them to take road safety seriously.
Bev previously said of her son, a former Culcheth High School student: “Harry was our youngest child. He was the baby of the family. Harry was never a difficult child. He was a typical lad.
“Our family’s saddest day and the most painful event we will ever have was July 21st.
Harry approached life with a daring attitude. His life was a heavy price to pay for his courage. We appreciate you being such a smart son; you are loved.
She added: “Losing Harry has been one of the most traumatic experiences of mine and my family’s life.
“That pain, it does not go away. It will be there all the time – you just make more room for it and learn to live alongside it.
“I want young people to know that they have a responsibility for not only their own lives, but a responsibility to come home – back to the people that love them.”
Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service also joined in with the safety operation, taking the opportunity to educate road users on the importance of staying safe, encourage them to look out for one another and, where appropriate, enforce the law.
Officers held engagement activities throughout the county during the week to promote bike safety workshops, bike maintenance, and motorbike inspections.
Throughout the week, the Think Bike was displayed to illustrate the terrible effects that irresponsible riding may have.The highways and crime unit chief inspector John Forshaw of Cheshire Police stated: “Sadly, our statistics on road collisions show an overrepresentation of motorcyclists and motorcycles.
“We want to make sure that we are keeping
kids safe as much as possible through enforcement and education.
The goal of this operation was to make cars aware of the fragility of bicyclists and the reasons it is crucial to keep an eye out for them, especially at intersections, and to ensure they give adequate space while passing.
It was also an opportunity to teach motorcyclists the value of courteous riding and how important it is to be seen by other drivers.
“We want all road users to be more considerate of each other, regardless of their chosen mode of transportation. Everyone has the right to use the roads safely.”
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