DORSET Police is urging motorcyclists to take care on the county’s roads this spring.

The Force’s BikeSafe team have issued some useful tips and advice to ensure everyone stays safe while out on their bikes.

They are also encouraging motorcyclists to sign up to a life-saving BikeSafe course, which are being run across the county between March and September 2014.

Police Constable Chris Smith, BikeSafe Co-ordinator, said: “After a long wet winter, the sun is finally out and this means bikers will be dusting off their machines and hitting the road.

“Now is a good time for bikers to check over their machines to ensure they are roadworthy and safe and brush up on their skills by doing a BikeSafe course.

“It is also important for all motorists to be aware that many of the roads are in a bad state following the heavy rainfall and floods. Motorcyclists should take extra care when out and about and remember the road surfaces may not be as smooth as expected.”

Bikers are urged to:

• Make yourself as visible as possible from the side as well as the front and rear.

• Wear a light or brightly coloured helmet and fluorescent clothing or strips.

• Put on your dipped headlights – even in good daylight.

• Be aware that other vehicle drivers may still not have seen you, or judged your distance or speed correctly, especially at junctions.

Any bikers interested in improving their riding and safety skills are invited to sign up to a BikeSafe course.

BikeSafe is a national police motorcycle casualty reduction scheme, run by bikers for bikers. It is available for anyone who rides a bike with an engine size of at least 250cc.

The courses are run in two parts over a weekend. The first part runs on the Saturday from 10am to 4pm and consists of a theory presentation which highlights the causes of accidents and the theory of advanced riding.

The second part of the course is an assessed ride which will take place on the Sunday between either 9am and 12 noon or 1pm and 4pm.

The course is subsidised by local councils and costs just £25.

Police Constable Smith said: “We ride real bikes on real roads in real situations and plan routes to take in all the various road conditions that you might find in Dorset.

“Even the most experienced bikers could learn something on the BikeSafe course that may one day save their life.

“This course provides motorcyclists with a great opportunity to gain advice and tips on areas including cornering, overtaking, positioning and hazard perception.”

For full details, or to book a place on the course, please visit the national BikeSafe website www.bikesafe.co.uk.

Court dates and locations for 2014 are:

29 and 30 March – Wimborne, Allendale Centre

17 and 18 May - Wimborne, Allendale Centre

14 and 15 June – The Salthouse, West Bay

2 and 3 August - Wimborne, Allendale Centre

13 and 14 September - Wimborne, Allendale Centre