A CAMPAIGN is being launched to help reduce deaths on roads across the county ahead of the motorbike season.

The Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia has launched their THINK BIKE campaign for this year, aimed at motorcycle riders and other road users.

Between 2014 and 2016 in Warwickshire and West Mercia there have been 528 people either killed or seriously injured following crashes involving motorcycles.

Vicki Bristow, communications manager for the Safer Roads Partnership 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.

"We’re aiming to make motorcyclists and other road users more aware of the risks that are present when they are out on the roads and to help us reduce the amount of collisions that take place."

The campaign is targeting both motorcyclists and car drivers with the aim of increasing general awareness and offering additional training.

Roadside posters are being erected along some key motorcycle routes throughout the region where crashes have occurred over the past 3 years.

The partnership is also urging riders to check that their bike is in good working order before getting out on the road again and to make simple checks on areas such as the battery and electrics, tyres, chain, fluids, controls, brakes and chassis.

The Safer Roads Partnership offers a ‘Take Control’ 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 in preparation for their full test.

For more information visit www.rmtnet.co.uk/take-control or http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/motorbiketraining