TRAFFIC police in the Pennine Division are out on the streets putting across the motor cycle safety message.

The campaign, aimed at reducing the number of accidents involving young scooter riders or the so-called 'born again' bikers took on added urgency with two motor cycle deaths in the county at the weekend and an injury accident within the division at Blacko. The campaign is part of a national DETR initiative.

A large advertising trailer was in Burnley town centre yesterday and again today and it will be in Nelson shopping centre tomorrow.

Pennine road policing unit inspector Dave Shepherd, said the campaign was aimed at encouraging motor cyclists to improve their riding skills.

Officers handed out literature on motor cycle safety and have asked motor cycle dealers to spread the same message.

He said the main causes of motor cycle accidents had been identified as lack of experience, rusty riding skills, poor cornering techniques, failure to concentrate and lack of restraint in areas of potential danger.

Insp Shepherd added: "As well as education, we will be using enforcement. This will involve targeting 'hot spot' roads and dealing firmly with any riders caught breaking the laws."