BIKERS have praised Essex Police for not overreacting this weekend during an organised ride passing through the area. On an internet forum a biker described how a friend was stopped by police in High Roding whilst riding down the B184 standing up on his b

BIKERS have praised Essex Police for not overreacting this weekend during an organised ride passing through the area.

On an internet forum a biker described how a friend was stopped by police in High Roding whilst riding down the B184 standing up on his bike on Sunday.

The rider, who was not named, said: "A black unmarked police Honda Blackbird motorbike was hiding in High Roding today (B184 between Gt. Dunmow & Leaden Roding). He stopped a member of the ride to advise him that standing up whilst overtaking other vehicles was not the best thing to be doing.

"Happily, the cop dealt with it as we'd hope he would. So 'well done' him on two counts - one, mounting his bike in the speed restricted zone, and two treating the matter with sense."

Another member on the forum (www.londonbikers.com) agreed saying: "Absolutely. I prefer to get a good reason for why I shouldn't be riding at a certain speed or style from a biker policeman than losing my licence to some indiscriminate camera.

"A good example of why your proper copper is always going to be better than some bl***y camera."

A spokesman from Dunmow police confirmed that a plain bike had been used to monitor traffic in that area on that day but declined to comment on anything further.

Recently signs have been put up in the area warning of aerial monitoring via the police helicopter, and initiative which was aimed at reducing the amount of accidents involving motorcyclists.

The B184 was one of the roads singled out for special attention as reports of motorcyclists flouting speed limits were numerous on the road. Essex County Council said they wanted to tackle, and reduce, the amount of motorcycle accidents.

Chairman of the Essex casualty reduction board, Cllr Norman Hume, said: "We are seeing accidents in the county significantly reduced but we need to make more of an impact on motorcycle accidents."

Senior traffic officer Adam Pipe agreed and pointed out that only a few motorcyclists were at fault. He said: "There are a small number of riders who continue to use Essex roads with total disregard for not only their own safety but for those of other road users, and continue to flout a wide range of traffic legislation and inappropriate rider behaviour.