Concern over the number of motorcyclists killed on Shropshire's roads

The latest figures compiled by Safer Roads Partnership in Warwickshire and West Mercia show six bikers have died after crashes so far this year.

The figure is an increase on the three bikers killed on Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin's roads last year.

Road safety charity Brake said it is vital that motorists look twice for bikes at junctions, and drive under the recommended speed limit.

A spokesman for Brake said: “It is concerning to see this increase in the number of motorcyclists killed in Shropshire.

"As a charity that supports bereaved and injured road crash victims, we know only too well the heartache and suffering that is caused by every road casualty.

"Travelling on a motorbike is currently one of the most dangerous forms of transport, and along with cyclists and pedestrians, motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users.

"It is crucial that vulnerable road users like motorcyclists are kept safe and secure on our roads; everyone who uses the road has a responsibility to look out for each other, whether a rider or driver.

"Our advice is to look twice for bikes at junctions, stay well under the limit, slow right down for junctions and bends, and slow down to 20mph in built up areas.”

Anna Higgins, communications manager for Safer Roads Partnership in Warwickshire and West Mercia, said they would encourage all road users to 'think bike'.

She said: "Both Warwickshire and West Mercia are popular with bikers and many riders are attracted to the area, particularly at weekends and when the weather is good.

"However, the unfortunate reality is that motorcyclists continue to be over-represented in road traffic collisions.

"Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police, together with the Safer Roads Partnership, continue to develop and deliver targeted campaigns and initiatives around motorcycle safety, and all road users are encouraged to ‘think bike, think biker.’

“Advertising and social media messages are regularly used to encourage road users to share the road responsibly along with the yellow think bike signs that have appeared on popular routes across the region where collisions have occurred over the past three years.

“The Safer Roads Partnership also delivers a number of courses which aim to help bikers improve their knowledge and skills.

"The partnership’s ‘take control’ course is a heavily subsidised motorcycle skills enhancement course for bikers who want to brush up on their skills, gain more confidence on their bike or become a better rider.

“Alongside the communications activity and education work in place, police enforcement continues to take place and operational patrol units target high harm routes to provide a highly visible deterrent to speeding motorists and motorcyclists as well as cracking down on inappropriate riding and nuisance offences such as noise.

"Enforcement will continue to be carried out throughout the summer and autumn months alongside other operational commitments.”