 Eight motorcyclists have died on the county's roads since January |
There is growing concern at the number of bikers putting their lives at risk by using Northamptonshire's roads as a racetrack, police say. Police in the county carried out a survey of the speeds of 15,642 motorbikes on the most hazardous routes.
Nearly two out of three bikers were exceeding the speed limit.
Eight motorcyclists have died on the county's roads since January, two more than at the same time last year.
'Dangerous manoeuvres'
Senior Collision Investigator, Pc John Spencer, said: "There is compelling evidence that shows a significant number of riders are using our roads as a racetrack."
The survey, carried out between June 2003 and June 2004, found that 60% of riders were exceeding the speed limit.
Most collisions involving motorcyclists are caused by speeding, dangerous manoeuvres and risky overtakes, Pc Spencer said.
But a set of good leathers can mean the difference between life and death, he added.
Operation Biker
In February, Northamptonshire Police launched Operation Biker to encourage riders to learn more about safety and speed.
But Pc Spencer said: "Whilst we are doing all we can to help improve safety for riders through Operation Biker, many bikers seem to be throwing it back in our faces."
Police plan to step up the operation with extra speed cameras on roads leading to the Silverstone Circuit during the World Superbikes event from June 11-13.
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