Plea as motorcyclist deaths rise on Sussex roads

Police have urged motorcyclists to take extra care after the number of bikers killed on Sussex's roads rose sharply.

Sussex Police said 10 motorcyclists were killed between January and May in 2010, compared to four riders during the same period in 2009.

The force said although the total road deaths fell from 22 to 18, the latest figures showed motorcyclists accounted for 56% of the people killed recently.

It urged motorcyclists to take care and other drivers to look out for bikes.

Insp Damian Merrifield said: "If you are using the roads of Sussex this weekend or at any time, I urge you to think bike.

"If you're a motorist, check and double check that your next move isn't going to put a motorcylist or any other road user at risk.

"If you're a motorcyclist, please do everything that you can to make sure that the family and friends you leave behind in the morning won't be mourning your non-return that night."