IN The past three weeks there have been five fatal road accidents on Gloucestershire's roads - three deaths involving motorcyclists.

Now safety experts are pleading with bikers to slow down and other road users to be more aware of those on two wheels.

A staggering 26percent of all deaths on county roads last year were motorcyclists, despite them making up only three percent of road traffic.

Nigel Murray, County Council Motorcycle Safety Coordinator said: "Almost 200 motorbike riders were injured on our roads last year and 10 killed. A after a spell of very good weather the weekends and bank holidays are prime biking opportunities.

"Riding a motorcycle requires both skill and judgement. Many bikers have never looked at their skills level and assume that the bike they ride is within their capability - some will find out the hard way.

"Too many riders will justify taking risks that they would never usually consider - compromising their own safety and that of others."

Gloucestershire County Council works with the police promoting Better Biking courses which are led by a police rider, and improve existing road skills, observation and hazard awareness.

Cllr Stan Waddington, cabinet member for road safety said: "Riders who have taken further training tend to be more confident - and a confident and competent rider is less likely to become a statistic."

For details go to www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/roadsafety or www.bikesafe.co.uk