A CAMPAIGN has been launched to try and reduce the number of motorcyclists seriously injured or killed on Dorset’s roads.

Dorset Police has launched its Operation Wheels that will run through the summer to try and reduce motorcycle casualties.

Riders are recognised as being the most at risk road users and whilst they account for only one percent of the total road miles travelled, they account for nearly 25 percent of those seriously injured or killed on Dorset’s roads between 2010 2014.

Officers from the Alliance Road Policing team will be attending various motorcycle events offering advice to riders and education people who are caught speeding or driving in a careless or dangerous manner on the roads in Dorset.

To help understand the circumstances in which riders are being killed or critically injured, police date was combined with medical data.

Inspector Matt Butler from the Alliance Road Policing Team and Dr Ian Mew from Dorset County Hospital were recently presented with the Trauma, Audit and Research Network annual award, recognising their positive use of trauma data.

The data showed that 78 percent of those killed or seriously injured were riding a motorcycle of 500cc and above and 52 percent were aged between 40 and 59 years old.

In 74 percent of cases, the collision was caused by rider error, more than a quarter of those killed or critically injured were riding in convoy with friends and the riders were nearly always male.

Dorset roads that have statistically seen the most collisions have been identified as ‘red routes’ and officers from the Alliance Road Policing team will be patrolling these routes with the intention of encouraging riders to ride safely.

Drivers of cars and trucks will also be reminded of the greater risks riders face.

Mr Butler said: “The warm weather means more bikes on the road. Throughout the summer, Operation Wheels will be encouraging bikers to ride safe and drivers to ‘Think Bike’.

“Bikers, please have a look at the Bikesafe website. It will make a difference.

“Some small changes can make bikers safer, more aware and more obvious to other road users. Even the most experienced riders can benefit from refresher sessions to improve their bike skills.”

For more information about courses run with Bikesafe, please go to http://www.bikesafe.co.uk/locate-a-force/dorset/about-dorset-bikesafe/