A SERIES of events to encourage safety among motorcyclists in North Yorkshire have been organised by police.

As part of the National Police Chiefs Council Motorcycle Week of Action, starting on Bank Holiday Monday, BikeSafe events will be held around North Yorkshire.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said 70 per cent of motorcycle collisions are down to rider error and the events include workshops looking at the main riding hazards facing bikers. Advanced motorcycle officers will also be at the events to provide advice and information.

Deputy Chief Constable Tim Madgwick said: "The BikeSafe scheme offers riders a great opportunity to improve their skills, get more from their riding and ultimately keep themselves and other roads users safe - we know that the more training you get, the better and safer the rider you become.

"From the extensive research conducted by the 95 Alive partnership, five strong themes have been identified which cause the majority of collisions – filtering, junctions, cornering, overtaking and group riding. If we can assist riders in improving their handling of these hazards, this will lead to less tragedy on our roads. Unfortunately, we know there are some riders who choose to ignore the facts and continue to take unnecessary risks. I want to take this opportunity to make it clear to them that North Yorkshire Police will use every enforcement method available to enable us to keep responsible road users safe."

High risk locations around North Yorkshire will also be monitored by police units including the NPAS police helicopter throughout the week.

Events will take place at the following times and locations:

- Monday, Aug 31, Helmsley Market Place from noon to 6pm

- Wednesday, September 2, at Manor Café, Bellerby, from 4pm to 8pm

- Thursday, September 3, at Whistlestop Café, Whitby, from 4pm to 8pm

- Saturday, September 5, at Squires Café, Sherburn in Elmet, from 10am to 7pm