A FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD motorcyclist was fighting for his life in hospital today after a serious road accident in York.

The under-aged rider suffered multiple injuries in a collision with a Peugeot car, which happened as he was travelling along Hull Road, near to the junction with Pinelands Way.

The boy was left with multiple fractures to both legs. He also suffered a broken lower jaw and other facial injuries.

North Yorkshire Police spokesman Ron Johnson today confirmed the boy was critically ill in York District Hospital.

"He is critical, but stable," Mr Johnson said. He was unable to say who owned the motorbike.

The driver of the Peugeot, a 30-year-old York woman, was unhurt.

But he said: "There is no suggestion it was stolen. An inquiry is under way, and all the circumstances surrounding the incident will be investigated."

Rachael Nicholas, owner and senior instructor at York Motorcycle Training in Yarburgh Way, close to the scene of the accident, wished the teenager a speedy recovery.

She said: "This must have been a distressing incident for everyone involved. We hope the young man makes a full recovery from his injuries."

The accident happened at about 5pm on Sunday. Any witnesses are asked to phone York Police on 01904 631321.

The Evening Press has run its Arrive Alive campaign to raise awareness among motorcyclists and drivers of the dangers bikers face on North Yorkshire's roads.

Shortly before the campaign was relaunched, North Yorkshire Police had described the number of motorbike crashes on North Yorkshire's roads as "appalling," after there were 13 deaths and numerous other motorbike crashes in the first half of this year.

Ten bikers died on North Yorkshire's roads in the whole of 2000.

In early May this year, 16-year-old Marie Stebbings, of Carlton Husthwaite, near Easingwold, was killed in a motorbike accident.

The Easingwold School pupil was driving a bike that collided with a tractor on an unclassified road between Carlton Husthwaite and Husthwaite, near Thirsk

Her pillion passenger, Kate Shorthouse, 15, from Coxwold, suffered serious injuries in the accident.

In September, 2000, 17-year-old Daniel Stoakes, of Selby, died after his scooter collided with a car.

Daniel's inquest heard he was "probably" going too fast round a bend before the fatal crash.

Updated: 17:11 Tuesday, October 29, 2002