A SAFETY partnership will this weekend warn bikers of the dangers they face.

The 95 Alive partnership will target nine popular meeting places for bikers in North Yorkshire tomorrow.

Volunteers will encourage riders to sign up for courses to increase their skills to help them stay safe.

So far this year, seven motorcyclists on bikes over 125cc have died on the county’s roads – the same as in the whole of last year.

The 95 Alive partnership was launched in 2005, with the aim of saving 95 lives before the end of 2010. It brings together North Yorkshire County Council, police, fire service and other agencies.

Fire officers working with road safety officers from the county council will set up shop in market places and cafes frequented by bikers.

Chris Anderson, deputy chief fire officer, said: “Unfortunately, firefighters attend far too many road traffic collisions which prove fatal for bikers.

“We would urge bikers to ride to the conditions and the roads they are on because just one mistake can have tragic consequences for them and their families who are left behind.

“We understand riding a bike is an enjoyable pastime for many, and need not be dangerous if bikers and motorists alike drive responsibly.”

Partnership chairman David Bowe said: “The aim is to talk to bikers to help make them more aware of the dangers, both to themselves and other drivers and riders who use the road.

“North Yorkshire is a beautiful county, but too many motorcyclists are taking too many risks, riding recklessly or losing concentration.

“There are more than 5,500 miles of roads, many twisting through glorious countryside, but all of these are bordered by dry stone walls and trees – part of the attractive scenery but totally unforgiving if you come off your bike.”

Inspector Dave Brown, North Yorkshire Police’s head of road policing, said: “We want to welcome safe bikers.

Many of my officers, including myself, are motorcyclists and we can appreciate the attraction of the county’s roads.

“However, we don’t want them to die or to put anyone else at risk with dangerous or unlawful riding. The majority of incidents involving motorcycle casualties could so easily be avoided.”

Nine sites are being targeted from 9am tomorrow, including Hawes Market Place, Helmsley Market Place and Marine Drive, in Scarborough.