AS the grim toll of motorcycle deaths continues to rise, North Yorkshire’s safety experts have launched a new attempt to turn the tide.

Fifteen bikers have died on the county’s roads so this year - three of them last week alone - and the figure already equals the total for the previous 12 months.

Now, with the summer biking season reaching its peak, the county’s road safety partnership is hoping to use the power of the social media to reverse the trend.

It has launched a new You Tube channel featuring hard-hitting videos aimed directly at bikers using the county’s roads.

The channel - youtube.com/ninety5alive - features videos which set out to explain what the consequences of careless motorbike riding can be and the effects a serious crash can have by using real stories.

And those who ride bikes or know bikers are being urged to watch the films and then forward the link to friends and family.

The videos include the story of former airman Luke Delahunty who was paralysed from the chest down after crashing into a tractor on his bike, and Sarah McCarthy whose husband Stuart was killed when he lost control of his bike on North Yorkshire’s roads last summer.

Another video features a series of riding tips from North Yorkshire Police’s advanced motorcycle training officers.

The chairman of the county’s 95 Alive safety partnership, David Bowe, said: “North Yorkshire has some of the most challenging roads for bikers anywhere in the UK, but we want them to be able to enjoy their ride in the county for the right reasons.

“The very simple message contained throughout the videos is that one small lapse in concentration, one small mistake could have devastating consequences for you and your loved ones.

“We are hoping that the videos will be viewed by many of the thousands of bikers who use our county’s roads and that it will make them think about riding more carefully next time they are out.”

The county’s head of strategic road policing, Inspector Dave Brown, made a direct appeal top the motorcyclists “Thousands of bikers visit our county and return home safely. You can enjoy yourselves and North Yorkshire Police will openly applaud and support responsible riding,” he said.

“Please read the road, be extra careful riding in groups and show due consideration for the comfort and safety of other road users. We want you to live to enjoy the next ride out.”