THE latest in a series of events aimed at improving safety for motorcyclists on North Yorkshire's roads and reducing the county's horrendous death toll among riders takes place this coming weekend.

On Saturday (24th June) North Yorkshire Police's Bike Safe Initiative will roll into Thirsk with the aim of educating bikers about safe riding.

We can show them how we ride safely and well - and in our experience good riding is also the most enjoyable sort of riding

Sergeant Pete Mason - Bike Safe coordinator

"The aim is very simple," said Sergeant Pete Mason, who heads the county's Bike Safe campaign.

"We just want to have an informal chat with any fellow-rider who wants to drop by and talk about better, safer riding. We are Police Officers, not trainers, but as experienced and highly-trained motorcyclists we are well qualified to give our fellow-riders valuable advice and tips."

As a national organisation Bike safe works with police forces across Britain to reduce casualties and fatalities among the biking community. The initiative was launched in North Yorkshire in 1997, a year that saw 15 riders killed on the county's roads.

Visitors in Thirsk will also be told about a series of skills workshops aimed at bridging the gap between the basic skills needed to pass the Driving Standards Agency riding test and the further training an accredited provider can give.

The courses are based at Thirsk and cost £50. Classroom skills workshops are followed up by observed rides, when participants get straight-from-the-shoulder analysis and advice from experts.

Sergeant Mason continued: "We can show them how we ride safely and well - and in our experience good riding is also the most enjoyable sort of riding."

The event takes place at Teasdale Motorcycles on Long Street between 10am and 4pm.

Riders can book onto the courses, which are being held every month through the summer, via www.bikesafe.co.uk and clicking on the North Yorkshire Police link.

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