Bikers issued with safety advice

A high percentage of the accidents involved bigger bikes

Bikers are being issued with safety advice following an increase in the number of fatal accidents on Warwickshire roads.

Police say the number of bikers killed on the roads in 2003 had doubled compared with 2002.

Statistics showed a high percentage of the accidents involved bigger, more powerful bikes.

Ch supt Jon Bond, from Warwickshire Police, said: "We want people to enjoy their bikes, but also to ride safely."

'Eerie profile'

"Last year more than a third of crashes involving motorcyclists were caused purely by excessive speed so I'd appeal to rider to keep their speeds down for the safety of themselves and those around them."

Bikers are also being advised to be particularly careful on bends and when out riding at weekends during the summer.

Police say statistics also show a third of motorcycle crashes involve just the biker alone, normally due to the rider losing control of their bike.

Ch supt Bond added; "These statistics allow police and partner agencies to build a profile of the person most likely to have a serious accident.

"They are male, aged between 30 and 39 and ride a bigger bike. If this is you, this advice seems even more important."