POLICE yesterday issued a stern warning to bikers heading for the dales and moors this summer, after a man lost his leg in a crash.

Traffic officers have teamed up with the British Motorcycle Federation and national park authority to crack down on motorcyclists whose dangerous riding puts themselves and others at risk.

The Responsible Rider campaign, led by North Yorkshire Police, was launched days after biker Gary Brierley had a leg amputated following a head-on collision with a lorry on the A171 road, between Whitby and Scarborough.

Last weekend, there were seven accidents involving motorcycles on roads across the county.

As part of the new initiative, "enforcement days" will be held in the Yorkshire Dales throughout the summer, starting over Easter.

Police officers will be accompanied by examiners from the Vehicle Inspectorate and motorcyclists from the Institute of Advanced Motorists, carrying out checks.

Traffic Sergeant John Lumbard said: "Last summer, we received regular complaints about motorcycles travelling at excessive speed, making excessive noise and inconsiderate riding. All of these issues have a detrimental effect on the quality of life for local residents.

"The message we are trying to get across is that the national parks and rural areas are for everyone's enjoyment, and people should be able to visit them without fearing for their safety on the roads.

"We will deal severely with speeders, and cases involving excessive high speeds will be 'fast-tracked' to court for early disqualification. That will also apply to car drivers.