Most accidents happened on weekends

Since Easter, Durham Police have been running extra patrols at weekends to make people aware of potential dangers and warning them to ride sensibly.

In the last three years, seven riders have died in more than 50 motor biking accidents on minor rural roads in Weardale and Teesdale.

Another 20 were seriously hurt and 36 escaped with minor injuries.

Police specialists analysed the incidents and found nine out of 10 of the victims were older riders, with 82% aged between 30 and 59.

Speed was a factor in many of the incidents.

'Positive attitude'

The majority of the accidents happened on weekends between April and September with Sunday the day of greatest risk.

Since Easter, the force's patrols have stopped and talked to more than 200 riders coming into the Dales.

Head of Durham's motorcycle section, Sergeant Bob Brown, said: "We have been delighted and impressed by the excellent response of the bikers we have stopped and talked to.

"We have asked them to show respect for the communities they are passing through, respect for other road users and to be aware of the range of risks they face on country roads. Their attitude has been very positive."

The increased patrols have also led to dozens of motorists being issued with fixed penalty notices.