Officers from the Cairns Highway Patrol Unit are urging all road users, particularly motorbike riders, to take caution following an increase in road incidents.
Over the next few months, Operation White Line will aim to combat dangerous driver behaviours and increase awareness around motorbike safety in the Far North District.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) today also launched the summer road safety campaign, Operation Mistletoe, surging high-visibility police motorbikes across the state to reduce road fatalities this Christmas.
The community can expect to see an increased number of police on Queensland roads between December 13, 2024 and January 27, 2025, which this year includes an additional 112 covert and overt motorcycles all fitted with mobile radars.
Since 2015, 51 motorbike riders have died on Far North roads, including four this year.
Highway Patrol Units will be conducting high-visibility patrols enforcing safe riding behaviour, while educating riders about road safety.
Officers will be checking motorbikes are roadworthy, and ensuring other motorists and road users are driving with caution near motorbikes.
Senior Sergeant Craig Johnson said officers from the Highway Patrol Unit want to positively engage with motorbike riders across the region.
“We are also part of the motorbike community, so we understand what it’s like to navigate these roads,” Senior Sergeant Johnson said.
Operation White Line will have a strong focus on education and engagement, as well and preventing dangerous behaviours on our roads.”
“We know there are a lot of new people who have recently bought or started riding motorbikes, and we want to ensure no more lives are lost due to drink or drug driving, speeding, fatigue or distraction.”
“With more people traveling around the region these school holidays, we want to ensure everyone enjoys the journey, and arrives at their destination safely.”