A TOTAL of 17 motorcyclists were stopped in north Hampshire during a week-long police campaign to promote safer riding.

The week of action took place in Hampshire between Monday, August 31 and Saturday, September 5.

Across Hampshire, 138 motorcyclists were either stopped and given advice or reported for criminal offences during the campaign.

Of these, five were involved in a collision.

Nearly half of those stopped had not committed an offence, but were given advice about education services.

Just under 25 per cent of riders were caught speeding, 14 per cent were caught riding carelessly and 15 per cent had construction and use offences.

Sergeant Rob Heard, Hampshire Constabulary's road safety officer, said: "This campaign week was a useful opportunity to remind riders that they should be as visible as possible on the road users, and riding in an appropriate way to the road and weather conditions, particularly as summer moves into autumn.

"Nearly half the motorcyclists stopped during the week had not committed any offences and were riding safely.

"They were stopped and updated on current courses and schemes available to them, like Bike Safe.

"We must avoid any complacency because statistics suggest that motorcyclists remain the road user group with the highest rate of collisions and casualties per mile travelled.

"Motorcyclists make up just one per cent of total road traffic but account for 19 per cent of all road user deaths.

"All of us have a responsibility to 'Think Bike' because many collisions with motorcycles can happen at junctions. It's important for both drivers and riders to allow extra time to show mutual consideration and respect on the roads."

For more information, visit bikesafe.co.uk.