Bikers urged to take it easy as Sunderland road death and injury toll revealed

Four bikers were killed between 2010 and 2015, while 63 were seriously injured and a further 162 received slight injuries after coming off their bikes.

Road safety experts say motorcyclists are 38 times more likely to be killed in a road accident than a car driver.

Chairman of Road Safety GB North East Paul Watson said figures are expected to peak as Easter approaches.

Mr Watson said: “It’s the time of year when bikers like to get their machines out and tour the region, so understandably we tend to see a sharp rise in accidents involving motorcyclists between March and October.

“Failure to look properly is a factor in almost half of the accidents involving bikes, and quite often riders simply lose control of their vehicles.

“We’re not here to tell people not to ride motorbikes – we appreciate it’s a much-loved pastime.

“However, we do want people to take it easy. Accidents involving motorcycles of 500cc and over tend to peak in March/April and continue that way until September/October.”

Northumbria Police Motor Patrols’ Chief Inspector, John Heckels, said: “We take the safety of bikers very seriously as we know only too well that bikers are particularly vulnerable, and it’s so important that they ride safely and defensively.

“Operation Dragoon is an ongoing operation which targets dangerous drivers and aims to help educate the people of the North East about how to stay safe on our roads.”