Bikers in Shropshire are being warned to ride with care after a sharp rise in the number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured on the county’s roads.

Ten bikers died between April 1 and July 13 in the West Mercia force area.

This is up from six riders during the same period in 2007.

Now officers will target routes and meeting places used by motorcyclists to try to reduce the number of bikers being killed.

In Shropshire, these include the A442 Bridgnorth to Whitchurch road, the A458 Six Ashes to Bridgnorth, A41 Tong to Whitchurch, the B5065 Newport to Shrewsbury and B4373 Bridgnorth to Telford.

Superintendent Matt Mead said: “Rural areas such as Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire attract large numbers of leisure motorcyclists using powerful sports bikes and the majority of collisions occur on the main roads across the force area.

“Over the last three years 35 per cent of the motorcyclists killed in West Mercia have died on roads in Shropshire and about half of the motorcyclists killed are from the West Midlands and Staffordshire areas.

“Many motorcycle collisions are caused by the rider’s lack of skill or knowledge of the area, combined with riding at excessive and inappropriate speeds, so it is vital that bikers ride in accordance with the law and within their own capabilities.

“However, it is important to remember a proportion of collisions are caused by motorists in cars, vans and lorries, failing to see motorcyclists. The force will also be carrying out enforcement activities on routes and roads that are well used by bikers across West Mercia.

“Our high profile enforcement patrols, which will include the use of our force helicopter, along with unmarked video-equipped vehicles, will be targeting the minority of riders who are a danger on the roads.”

By Rebecca Lawrence