Police are encouraging riders to sign up to the next BikeSafe course, taking place next Saturday (May 21), to improve their riding attitude and behaviour.

BikeSafe is a police led motorcycle project that is run by most forces throughout the UK. The main aim is to reduce the number of bikers killed or seriously injured on the roads.

The BikeSafe workshop explores the main riding hazards bikers face. It provides motorcyclists with further training around defensive riding skills to help improve their performance. This is done through theory presentations and observed rides.

PC Simon Burgin from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire (BCH) Road Policing Unit said: “Riding should be fun. By improving skills, knowledge and hazard awareness it will make riding safer and more enjoyable.

“The BikeSafe workshop will help riders discover their strengths and weaknesses.

“Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users and for them road safety is vital. There were five motorcyclists killed and 72 seriously injured in Cambridgeshire last year.

“Riders need to take responsibility for their own safety. Sadly we have already had four motorcyclist fatalities this year, which is double the figure from this time last year.

“I have witnessed first-hand the tragic consequences of poor riding and seen families and friends deal with the devastating aftermath.

“You can never be too good. I encourage all motorcyclists to continue to train throughout their riding years and not just stop once they have passed their bike test.”

Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire motorcyclists can benefit by joining the BikeSafe scheme on Saturday May 21 at Cambridgeshire Police Headquarters, Hinchingbrooke Park, Huntingdon.

The day includes refreshments, lunch, a goody bag and a one on one ride with an advanced police rider.

To book visit https://booking.bikesafe.co.uk/#RiderDetails/3050.

For further information go to http://www.bikesafe.co.uk/.

Motorcycling facts:

• Motorcyclists are roughly 38 times more likely to be killed in a road traffic accident than car occupants, per mile ridden.

• In 2013, 331 motorcyclists died and 4,866 were seriously injured in road collisions in Great Britain.

• Motorcyclist KSIs have fallen since 2008 when 493 motorcyclists were killed and 5,556 were seriously injured on Britain’s roads.

• 30 motorcyclists are killed or injured every day at junctions.