Yellow cards will act as a warning for minor offences, while serious traffic offences will merit a red card.

The rider will then be given the choice of a training course or prosecution.

Thames Valley Police say they are shocked by the increasing numbers of motorcyclists killed on the roads, up almost 50% to 37 last year.

The majority of collisions involving motorbikes are either very serious or fatal Supt Neil Olney

They are introducing the system ahead of the summer biking season.

Issuing the cards will be at the discretion of the officer who has stopped the rider.

The yellow card would be issued when police judge someone is riding in a way that needs correction, but not prosecution.

It takes the form of a yellow leaflet with advice on road rules and driving tips.

A red leaflet is issued for more serious traffic offences, such as careless riding, and gives the motorcyclist information on how to attend the one-day training course and avoid prosecution.

Many of the 37 deaths and 300 serious injuries in the region last year are blamed on middle-aged "born again" riders on powerful bikes.

'Downward trend'

A website has also been set up giving safety advice about biking routes throughout the Thames Valley.

Superintendent Neil Olney, head of roads policing, said: "Too many riders die on our roads. They are among the most vulnerable road users because a motorbike travels as fast as a car but without the protection from impact that a car offers.

"This means that the majority of collisions involving motorbikes are either very serious or fatal.

"This initiative is a positive step towards reducing motorbike collisions both through enforcement and education, and I hope that this will be the start of a downward trend in motorbike fatalities and injuries."