THE growing number of motorcycle casualties on Hampshire roads has prompted a month-long education and enforcement campaign to be launched by Hampshire Constabulary.
Since the beginning of the year, eight motorcyclists have lost their lives in collisions in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
In the most recent fatal motorcycle collision this year, 39-year-old Peter Cope lost his life after a crash on the B3047 near to the junction of the A31 outside Alresford on May 2.
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During each weekend in May, police will patrol motorcycle casualty routes including the A272 from Winchester to Petersfield, A3057 from Romsey to Andover, A32 Fareham to Alton and the A339 Alton to Basingstoke.
The force will continue to engage with motorcyclists over the next few weeks, with Roads Policing officers attending bike meetings to discuss the importance of safe riding and promote BikeSafe.
Last year 20 motorcyclists died in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight - an increase of 29 per cent compared with 2006. There were a further 299 serious injury collisions across the two counties involving motorcyclists.
PC Mick Gear, Hampshire Constabulary's BikeSafe co-ordinator said: "We don't want any motorcyclists to stop enjoying their bikes, but with a worrying number of fatalities on our roads already this year, our campaign is all about working with motorcyclists to reduce casualties and promote safe riding.
"Motorbikes are powerful machines and one dangerous manoeuvre or a split second lack of concentration can mean the difference between life and death.
"Motorcyclists are vulnerable and it is important that other road users also play a part in their safety and take time to check for bikes, particularly when emerging from junctions."
The force's May campaign coincides with the Department for Transport's Think! Road Safety motorcycle initiative.
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