Gloucestershire police are increasing their patrols after a number of motorbike crashes.

Their have been a number of serious incidents over the last two weeks. Two riders lost their lives in separate crashes near

Broadway

while there was also a crash between a bike and coach near

Rendcomb

.

Police motorcyclists have been out in the Cotswolds this week in an initiative to improve biker safety in the county.

They have been engaging with other bikers as they travelled along the rural routes and plan to extend their patrols to the Forest of Dean and north Tewkesbury.

Sergeant Martyn Murawa, of Gloucestershire police's roads policing unit, said : "Our concern is the safety of all road users whether they live and work in the county or are just travelling through.

"In the past two weeks five motorcyclists have suffered serious injuries as a result of collisions, and two of those have died from their injuries.

"Too many people are suffering because of this, not just the motorcyclists but other drivers and the families and friends of all involved.

"Statistics show that there is a fairly even split when it comes to responsibility for causing the collision. It's not always the motorcyclist, but equally it's not always car drivers.

"We hope that by increasing patrols and engaging with the motorcyclists we will encourage them to reduce their speed and increase their awareness of the dangers and consequences."

The patrolling officers have stopped and spoken to a number of motorcyclists making them aware of the recent collisions and offering advice, mainly in relation to speed.

Camera enforcement vans will also be deployed on the main bike routes, particularly the A429 and A44, over the next few weeks.

Members of the public are encouraged to submit dash cam or helmet cam footage of any offences they encounter.