Mum of teen biker who died in crash encourages riders to be safe

Harry Abbey, from Culcheth, was riding a motorbike to work when he collided with a combine harvester at the junction of Hollins Lane and Watery Lane in Winwick 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.

“July 21 was the saddest day for the family and the most traumatic experience we will ever go through.

“Harry had a fearless approach to life. He paid dearly for that fearlessness with his life. Thanks for being a brilliant son, we love you.”

The Think Bike has been taken around the county by Cheshire Police

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.

Throughout the week, officers ran engagement events across the county promoting bike safe workshops, bike maintenance and conducted motorbike checks.

The Think Bike was presented throughout the week to demonstrate the devastating consequences careless riding can have.

Chief inspector John Forshaw, of Cheshire Police’s roads and crime unit, said: “Unfortunately, motorcyclists and cyclists are over-represented within our road collision statistics.

“We want to ensure we are doing all we can with both education and enforcement to keep them safe.

“This operation was about educating drivers to the vulnerability of those who travel on two wheels, and explaining the reasons why it is so important to look out for them, particularly at junctions, and to make sure they leave enough space when overtaking.

“It was also about educating riders on the importance of being visible to other road users and the significance of courteous riding.

“Everyone has the right to use the roads safely, and we want all road users to be more considerate of each other, regardless of their chosen mode of transport.”