MOTORCYCLISTS in Wilt-shire can have their riding skills assessed for free on Sunday as part of Wiltshire Constabulary's BikeSafe initiative.

The seminar is the first in a series to help riders - especially superbikers - handle their machines safely on the roads this summer.

In the 36 months to 28 February 2003, 24 motorcyclists and pillion passengers were killed in Wiltshire and 261 seriously injured.

"We're particularly keen to reach the 20 to 40 age group," said David Frampton, manager of the Wiltshire and Swindon road safety partnership's safety camera unit.

"These riders are killed or suffer serious injuries far more than any other group."

On average, at least six men in this age group die in a motorcycle crash every year in Wiltshire and 42 are seriously injured.

"They probably have the most powerful bikes and may not have ridden for some years," he said. "Inappropriate handling of these superbikes can have lethal consequences. We'd like all riders to think when they last attended a riding skills seminar such as Bike-Safe and to take advantage of the ones on offer this year."

At the seminars advanced riders from the police will observe and assess how the attendees ride. They will also give a presentation and there will be videos, input on riders' attitudes and certificates of attendance.

This year's courses are all in the Devizes area and are on 4 and 18 May, 8 June, 13 July, 28 September and 12 and 26 October. Details are available from Colin Reeves of Wiltshire County Council road safety unit on 07770 695792 and Margaret Tester, Swindon Borough Council road safety manager on 01793 466399; also see www.bikesafe.co.uk