A national motorbike safety campaign, 'Think Bike Week', is being promoted locally by Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

The campaign, taking place in the week up to May 3, emphasises the importance of wearing appropriate protective clothing, and keeping bikes properly maintained.

Although motorbikes comprise only one per cent of road traffic, the risk of death when riding a motorbike is statistically 57% higher than when driving a car.

Overall, motorcyclists make up 19% of road fatalities.

In Devon, the number of collisions is higher in rural areas than in towns and cities.

Chris Boston, Watch Manager for road safety at the fire service, said: "Throughout the year we work in partnership with local authorities to reduce the number of killed and seriously injured motorbike riders.

"In springtime we usually see a lot of bikers out and about, and our work will help riders to be more visible on the road, and to ride more safely.

"We also are an official training provider of Biker Down – a three-hour course to help bikers reduce their risk of accidents, and know what to do if they are involved with, or see an injured motorcyclist."

Find out more about Biker Down by following them on Facebook here.