IN a year which is destined to set a grim new record in the number of motorcyclists killed on North Yorkshire's roads, we can only applaud the police's Bank Holiday initiative.

A huge inflatable biker in Helmsley market place is bound to draw people's attention to the safety message. And it will focus the minds of motorcyclists on the "handle it or lose it" campaign.

The way to reduce the terrible toll of fatalities is to educate every road user about motorcycle safety. And with two-thirds of rural bike accidents involving no other vehicle, that learning process must start with the motorcyclists themselves.

Updated: 10:15 Wednesday, August 20, 2003