Police are urging bikers to dress in protective leathers

Police said nine bikers have died on the county's roads since January - compared to seven in the whole of 2002.

Pc John Spencer, a senior accident investigator, said: "We know that riders get a buzz from riding at high speeds, cornering, and overtaking through the middle of traffic when other drivers are stuck in queues.

"However, these are the very things that are killing riders."

He said other motorists were also being warned to keep an eye out for motorcycles and give them space on the road.

Summer hazards

Most motorcycle casualties occur between April and September, and the majority of collisions take place in fine and dry weather.

Pc Spencer said: "Some bikers ride for just a few months of the year and are therefore bound to be inexperienced when they get back on their bike after having perhaps driven another vehicle for the rest of the year."

Police said bikers should take care to wear proper leathers for road protection, not shorts and t-shirts, as some people are tempted to dress for the weather rather than for safety.

Police cautioned bikers riding in groups to take extra care on the road, especially in light of the fact that riders at the rear of a group have taken "senseless risks" to keep up.