MOTORISTS in Alveston are being encouraged to think bike.

Drivers travelling through the village are being asked to think about fellow road users on two wheels in an attempt to reduce the number of motorcycle casualties.

As part of a campaign led by South Gloucestershire Council temporary road signs have been put up on the B4461 Down Road and on the A38 in Alveston.

These signs, which display the logo the Sorry Mate I Didn't See You (SMIDSY), have been erected at locations where there have been four or more motorcycle-related accidents in the past three years.

Brian Allinson, executive member for planning, transportation and the strategic environment, said: "We are pleased that the number of accidents continues to fall but we are also aware that we need to continue to work hard towards reducing motorcycle casualties in South Gloucestershire.

"The campaign is now in its third year and has shown to have a beneficial effect on accident numbers and in raising awareness. We hope many more people will see the signs and take a moment to 'think bike'."

Statistics compiled by Avon and Somerset Police reveal that, at some junctions, more than 80 percent of motorcycle accidents occurred because drivers failed to give way to motorcyclists.

To find out more about road safety in South Gloucestershire visit, www.southglos.gov.uk/roadsafety