WHEN is something going to be done about the situation regarding motorcycles and in particular the big powerful motorbikes on our roads?

Quite often these bikes will startle you as they overtake you at great speed.

The real problem, though, is how dangerous these machines can be.

We all know that two wheels are inherently unstable compared to four wheels. Add to this a powerful engine, the fact that motorcycles are less likely to be seen than other vehicles and perhaps a relatively inexperienced rider and you have a potential accident waiting to happen.

This problem is made worse by the fact that a motorcyclist is so exposed and therefore highly vulnerable in even a minor accident.

A disproportionately high number of motorcyclists are killed or injured on the roads every year compared to other road users, and to those who say motorbikes don't kill or injure other road users as cars do. This isn't always the case. For instance, I heard of a Hampshire woman car driver who pulled out of a junction onto an A road but miscalculated the speed of an oncoming motorbike which was travelling very fast. The motorbike hit her in the side smashing through the door, killing the woman car driver and also the young rider.

I would suggest that all motorbikes over 250cc to be taken off the road for the good of all.

J BEALE, Freemantle, Southampton.