Motorcyclists describe feeling vulnerable on Norfolk roads

Figures show 34 motorcyclists have been killed on Norfolk’s roads in the last five years. As a new road safety campaign is launched, what do bikers say – and what might help cut casualties?

Chrissie Alexander has been a motorcyclist for seven years but has yet to ride her bike so far this year.

She says she has “lost a lot of confidence” after being knocked off by a van while waiting to turn right at a junction at Acle, Norfolk.

The van, she says, came from behind and hit the front wheel of her bike, leaving her lying on the road.

Now on her bike she feels “very vulnerable”.

“I realise as a biker you’ve just got to ride as if everyone is out to get you and be on your toes constantly,” she says.

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request by the BBC to Norfolk Police revealed 34 motorcyclists were killed on the county’s roads between the start of January 2021 and the end of last October.

Over that period, the highest number was in 2022 when 10 were killed, but so far in 2026, the death toll is at nine and there have been a number of other serious collisions.

Earlier this year, Norfolk Police urged road users to be more aware of motorcyclists, saying about 69% of motorcycle fatalities occurred on rural roads, with high speeds, bends and poor surfaces increasing the risk.

On Saturday a motorcyclist in his 20s was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge in a serious condition following a collision with a grey Volvo EX30 on New Road in Belton, near Great Yarmouth.