SHOCKING new figures, showing that almost 200 motorcyclists have been killed or seriously injured on Hampshire’s roads, have sparked a safety campaign.

The statistics have been taken from accidents involving bikers specifically at T-junctions between October 2007 and September this year, prompting calls for both drivers and riders to take extra care.

The victims included father-of-two Tim Reynolds, 51, of Whittington Close, Hythe, who died on the A326 near Marchwood on September 13.

It happened just weeks after fellow rider Terry Stubbs, 29, and his 11-year-old stepdaughter, Channon Kevern, both of Fawley, were also killed on the A326.

Now Hampshire County Council is leading a campaign to increase awareness by all road users. The authority is also urging riders to help themselves by wearing protective clothing and making sure that they are visible to motorists.

Mel Kendal, the council’s executive member for environment, said: “When you’re behind the wheel, it’s not enough to have a quick glance around. We must be vigilant about looking out for motorbikes and cyclists at all times.

“For their part, motorcyclists must ride responsibly and wear high-visibility protective clothing – even during the day.

“Road safety experts advise the wearing of light or brightly coloured helmets and fluorescent clothing or strips when riding during the day. Reflective clothing and reflector strips are better during the dark.”

Department for Transport figures show that many crashes across the UK are caused by cars pulling out in front of motorcyclists at T-junctions.

A county council spokesman said that the past few years had seen a steady increase in the number of bikers killed at junctions across Hampshire.

The authority’s road safety team visits bike dealerships to distribute safety information and display posters encouraging riders to wear high-visibility clothing.

Its Bike Safe scheme aims to equip riders with the ability to read the road effectively and reduce their chances of becoming another statistic.