MOTORCYCLISTS are being asked to handle their machines properly on Wiltshire roads.

In the past three years, up to February 28, 24 motorcyclists and pillion passengers were killed in the county and 261 were seriously injured.

David Frampton, manager of the Wiltshire and Swindon road safety partnership, said: "We're particularly keen to reach the 20 to 40 age group. These riders are killed or suffer serious injuries far more than any other group."

The partnership is now trying to encourage bike owners to attend a riding skills seminar like BikeSafe, where police riders will observe and assess how the attendees ride.

This year's courses take place in the Devizes area and are on May 18, June 8, July 13, September 28 and October 12 and 26. The seminars are free, but a £10 returnable cheque is requested to secure a place.

For more information call Colin Reeves, of Wiltshire County Council road safety, on 07770 695792, or Margaret Tester, Swindon Borough Council road safety officer, on 01785 466399.