EAST Hampshire motorcyclists are being urged to ride safely on local roads as part of a Hampshire wide safety campaign.

Motorcyclists remain the road user group with the highest rate of collisions and casualties per mile travelled.

In recent years there have been motorcycle accidents on the A272 Winchester Road, which passes through Stroud, Langrish, Bramdean and West Meon, as well as on other local roads including the A3 Petersfield to Liphook road.

Last year nine motorcyclists were killed and 264 seriously injured in the county.

Sergeant Rob Heard of Hampshire Police said: "Our research continues to identify three high risk groups of motorcyclists: leisure riders, commuters and young scooter riders.

"We’re reminding younger riders to ensure they realise the limits of their experience, and we would encourage all riders of any age to think about further education to enhance their standards."

Police are promoting safety courses for motorcyclists and information is on the Bike Safe website: www.bikesafe.co.uk