DORSET Police has announced plans to relaunch its BikeSafe initiative just days after a motorcyclist died in a North Dorset collision.

The police will be offering courses to help bikers enhance their riding skills in a bid to cut the number of deaths and serious injuries on Dorset's roads.

Last year, 86 motorcyclists were killed or seriously injured across the county.

And the latest incident was on Sunday, when a 58-year-old man from Wiltshire died after after his bike was in collision with a Jaguar on the A357 between Hammoon and Shillingstone.

The team from BikeSafe will be attending the Dream Machines event at Poole Quay next Tuesday to highlight the importance of safe biking and to raise awareness of the scheme.

PC Chris Smith, BikeSafe Dorset co-ordinator, said: "As a serving traffic patrol officer and police motorcyclist I see all too often the results of poor riding and driving.

"Many accidents that occur on our roads could have been avoided if the parties involved had given their riding or driving the attention it deserves.

"BikeSafe will help bikers identify any weaknesses they have and get tips on how they can improve their skills and knowledge."

Triple British Superbike Champion John Reynolds will also be joining the BikeSafe team to show his support for the initiative.

"It is important to remember that riding on the road is far more dangerous than professionals racing on a track," he said.

"All riders can enhance their skills and by attending a BikeSafe assessment you will not only meet like-minded people and have fun but you may pick up that one tip that could save your life one day."