Former motorcyclist, from Tenterden, launches The Next Mile road safety foundation after losing two friends in crashes
A former motorcyclist who lost two friends in separate crashes within a matter of months is aiming to teach young people about road safety. Charlie Green, from Tenterden, says he gave up riding bikes after two friends were killed last year.
Data released to KentOnline in response to a Freedom of Information request shows an average of 12 fatal incidents involving a motorcycle occur on the county's roads every year. Eleven were recorded in Kent in 2024 - including one of Mr Green's friends - sparking concern that more needs to be done to educate young motorists about risks on the roads.
The 20-year-old has now set up a foundation - called The Next Mile - and has given presentations to students at Homewood School in Tenterden. His work has been inspired by the loss of 19-year-old dad Archie Robertson - who died in Sissinghurst while riding home from work last July[1] - and another friend who lost her life following an incident near Beachy Head in East Sussex. "It was an absolute tragedy what happened," said Mr Green, who saw the Beachy Head incident occur.
"To be impacted by so many accidents, I eventually came off the bike for my own sake.
"It got to a point where I didn't feel ready or comfortable anymore, and I decided to redirect my passion towards helping and educating others."
The statistics show how an average of 12 fatal incidents involving a motorcycle occur on the county's roads every year, with five recorded between January and July this year. Mr Green, who works as a graphics designer and sales executive, hopes that by speaking about his experiences, he can educate young motorists. "The message I want to spread is that even if you understand the dangers, you can't prepare yourself for every outcome," he added.
"I was shocked to find out how fast these bikes can go and how much there is to learn.
"Courses can't teach you anything, and it terrifies me seeing young lads on these bikes. Just one small mistake that anyone can make can cost a life." Mr Green says his dad's interest in motorbikes rubbed off on him, and he grew up riding dirt bikes around fields and on the back of his friends' motorbikes.
But he is now concentrating on The Next Mile's work, which he is carrying out with friend Donovan Weir and Archie's older sister Charlotte.
He says the talks have been well-received, and he hopes to expand to more venues in the future and produce his own website to share his message. "I remember being that age and brushing off those sorts of talks because you do think you're invincible," Mr Green said.
"But I always go in thinking if even one kid in that room of a few hundred remembers what I've said, then it's a win - and it's certainly been more than that." In a statement, Chief Inspector Craig West, head of roads policing, said the force works to "keep everyone safe" on the road network.
"That includes cyclists and motorcyclists who account for just 1% of traffic across the UK but are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal collisions," he said.
"We also take part in the national two-wheel safety campaign every year in which we offer advice to motorists as well as take enforcement action where necessary, in addition to the other campaigns targeting motorists who pose the most risk to themselves and others by speeding, driving under the influence of drink or drugs, using an electronic device at the wheel or not wearing a seatbelt.
"Protecting cyclists, motorcyclists and everyone else on Kent's roads is a joint responsibility, and we continue to support Kent County Council's 'Vision Zero' strategy that aims for as close to zero fatalities in the county by 2050.
"All other road users are also asked to do their part by taking extra care and looking out for those travelling on two wheels."
References
- ^ who died in Sissinghurst while riding home from work last July (www.kentonline.co.uk)