SPEEDING motorcyclists face a tough police crackdown in one of the region's popular biking spots.

Thousands of bikers head to North Yorkshire every summer, attracted by some the country's best roads, twisting their way through stunning scenery.

But every year, riders die, many through simply losing control because of speed.

To combat the problem, police warned that anyone caught speeding would be fast-tracked to court.

That means extreme speeders, those exceeding any limit by 30mph, will lose their licences within days of being caught.

Inspector Chris Charlton said: "I think most riders understand that we are not anti-rider. We are, though, very strongly anti-death and anti-injury.

"The overwhelming majority of the thousands of riders who visit North Yorkshire are responsible, decent people, and they are very welcome here.

"But we do not welcome the idiot minority who like to show off or take foolish risks, and I am warning them now, if you behave badly in North Yorkshire, we will catch you.

"Then bad things will start to happen. They include fines, licence points, riding bans and prison. It's your choice."

Last year the police, with support from North Yorkshire's 95 Alive campaign, halved the number of bike deaths in the county.

But with North Yorkshire being covered by more than 6,000 miles of road, police fear the fatalities will continue.

Insp Charlton said: "Five riders have been killed this year, a horrendous start to 2007.

"But no one should think that we are ignoring other dangerous road-users. We catch more drivers than riders at these high speeds, and we take a dim view of their irresponsibility too.

"All road-users have to take responsibility for their actions, and no one more than motorcyclists, who are so very vulnerable. They must all ride and drive within their capabilities, and they must do so with regard and respect for all other road-users."

Research has suggested that half of bike accidents are caused by loss of control.

Insp Charlton said: "I am not saying these accidents are always down to speed, but they are very often the consequence of inappropriate speed for the prevailing road, weather or traffic conditions. We say that riders have to take responsibility."

A biker was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after an accident near Leyburn.

The rider of an orange Honda motorbike crashed on a bend on the A684 nearly half a mile from West Witton.

The 44-year-old, thought to be a local man, was heading towards the Leyburn area at the time of the accident, at 2pm on Friday.

Witnesses are asked to call police on 0845-60-60-247.

Gifts at safety drive - Page 13