A SCHEME to drive down the number of motorcyclists that are killed and injured on Suffolk’s roads has been launched.

In conjunction with Suffolk County Council, Suffolk police is running a series of ‘Bikesafe’ motorcycle workshops to give riders the opportunity to improve their skills and become better and safer.

According to police figures, 24 people were killed on Suffolk’s roads in 2012, six of whom were motorcyclists (25%). In 2011, eight motorcyclists died, 26.6% of the total fatalities on Suffolk’s roads.

Last year Suffolk police ran six workshops.

Pc Kevin Stark, from Suffolk Constabulary’s serious collision investigation team, said: “The response we have from those attending the Bikesafe workshops is always very positive. The workshops give motorcyclists greater awareness of the hazards they may face when out and about and help them become better and safer riders.

“Last year, we saw a decrease in the number of motorcyclists killed on Suffolk’s roads and we hope by running future workshops we can help to reduce this number further.

“No matter how experienced or careful you are, advanced rider training will improve the way in which you ride and increase your chances of riding safely, thus avoiding a crash or collision.”

Bikesafe, which is a nationally recognised police-run biking initiative focusing on education, and aims to improve rider awareness and rider ability, held its first workshop on Friday.

Further courses are planned on April 19 and 20, May 17 and 18, June 21 and 22, July 19 and 20, August 30 and 31 and September 6 and 7.

The sessions cover a Friday evening from 7pm and a 9am start on the Saturday.

All ‘fully qualified’ riders are welcome to attend, whether they have just passed their test or have been riding for years.

The workshops cost £55 per person.

For further information on Bikesafe workshops, call Hayley Batterham on 01473 613730 or Pc Kevin Stark on 01473 383395 or email bikesafe@suffolk.pnn.police.uk.

Alternatively details about the course can be found on the Bikesafe page of the Suffolk Police website: www.suffolk.police.uk or http://bit.ly/zeMxDt