POLICE are to step up patrols on popular motorbike routes on bank holidays, as part of a new no-nonsense road safety campaign.

North Yorkshire Police has teamed up with the “95 Alive” campaign and other forces across Yorkshire and the Humber to try to minimise the number of bikers killed or injured this year.

They say their campaign will be one of the biggest ever in the region and is in response to the high death toll which remains, despite previous campaigns.

Inspector Dave Brown, head of strategic roads policing for North Yorkshire Police, said: “We are determined to prevent a repeat of last year’s tragic death toll.

“The small number of riders who think that our road network provides an alternative ‘track day’ where anything goes, should think again.”

Last year, 18 bikers and two pillion passengers died on North Yorkshire’s roads.

A police spokeswoman said about three quarters of those deaths were due to rider error, and said that showed the need for bikers to improve their skills.

On busy days such as bank holidays, extra patrols will be deployed and officers will use unmarked police motorbikes to gather evidence of dangerous riding.

Insp Brown said: “We are not out to persecute all bikers; far from it.

“Many police officers are recreational riders and fully understand why North Yorkshire is a magnet for bikers.

“However, we will not tolerate the dangerous minority who risk their own and other peoples’ lives.”

Dave Bowe, chair of 95 Alive and director of highways at North Yorkshire County Council, said: “Year after year some of our most scenic routes are marred by the serious and fatal crashes involving motorcyclists.

“We encourage motorcyclists to enjoy our roads responsibly and to come back again.”

The 95 Alive partnership has produced a free DVD and written guide, including maps, crash data and first aid tips, which will be handed out at various locations.