ROAD safety chiefs pledged to continue the downward trend in the number of bikers killed on North Yorkshire’s roads at the launch of a motorcyclist awareness campaign.

Last year saw a 48 per cent drop in the number of bikers killed or seriously injured in the county.

As part of the 95 Alive Road Safety campaign, a series of videos has been produced, highlighting the dangers of some of North Yorkshire’s most popular motorcycle routes.

The videos give advice on improving skills and facts about choosing helmets and other gear.

Partnership bosses are keen to raise awareness about collision hotspots around the county, and common mistakes that riders have made that have caused fatal or serious accidents.

Figures show that most accidents involving motorcyclists on North Yorkshire's country roads are caused by the biker making a mistake, rather than car driver error.

Many crashes are the result of overtaking on the approach to bends, late braking and harsh braking.

In 2010, 19 bikers were killed on North Yorkshire's roads, with 95 seriously injured. Last year saw nine deaths and 82 serious injuries.

Partners in 95 Alive include the police, fire service and North Yorkshire County Council.

Tim Madgwick, deputy chief constable of North Yorkshire Police and chairman of the 95 Alive Partnership, said: "The partners were heartened by the reduction in fatal and serious injury accidents involving bikers last year.

"As we approach the spring, we know that bikers will be taking to North Yorkshire roads again to enjoy the good weather and lighter evenings, so we are launching our new campaign in the hope that we can continue work with them to improve their safety on our roads."