The widow of a motorcyclist who died in a crash has backed a new road-safety campaign after it emerged the number of fatal motorbike collisions in Suffolk has almost trebled in a year.

Two-day police workshops for motorcyclists designed to improve driving and awareness skills were rolled out across the county this month running until September.

The initiative comes as new research found there were a total of 11 fatal collisions involving motorcyclists in the county from April 2013 to March 2014. There were also 56 serious injuries.

In the previous year, there were four fatal collisions and 73 serious injuries involving motorcyclists.

Sarah Moss, who lost her husband and the father of her two children in a road accident last month, has added her support to the campaign.

Pettistree master baker Neil Moss died when his black Ducati was involved in a collision near Snape just days after his 50th birthday.

“It was just so unexpected. The hardest thing was not being able to say goodbye,” Mrs Moss said.

“Neil was always very safety conscious, he had all the right gear and would avoid going out if the weather was bad, but far too often you still see bikers out in just a T-shirt.

“We don’t know who was at fault, or if there was anyone at fault, in Neil’s case, but anything that can highlight awareness of bikers is something I would support.

“All it takes is for people to take a little more time to acknowledge other road users.”

The Safe Rider scheme, organised by Suffolk and Norfolk Constabularies, is being held at Suffolk police’s headquarters in Martlesham on May 23/24, June 13/14, July 18/19, August 22/23 and September 26/27.

The workshops cost £50 per person and are supported by Suffolk County Council’s Suffolk Roadsafe scheme and funding from the Copdock Classic Motorcycle Club.

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore urged motorcyclists to sign up, saying: “Whether you cycle as a hobby or as a commuter it is important to know how to keep safe on our roads so I would encourage every cyclist to think about refreshing their skills by taking note of these simple safety tips or by signing up.”

Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Wilson, of Suffolk Constabulary, added: “We would like everyone to enjoy the use of the county’s roads and if cyclists, motorcyclists and motorists all drive and ride carefully, and look out for each other, then everyone can arrive at their destination safely.”

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