We know the bank holiday weekend provides the perfect opportunity to dust off your leathers and get back on your bike.

To make sure that first ride of the year is fun and most importantly safe, officers in Suffolk are urging motorcyclists to take care and want to make other road users aware of the increasing number of motorcyclists back on the road.

As we see the weather start to improve and the daylight hours begin to get longer, we know that more of you will be getting out on the roads. Unfortunately, this also means we are likely to see a rise in collisions involving motorcyclists.  

We appreciate that you cannot control the actions of other road users but there are some measures you can take to ensure your own safety:

• Thoroughly check over your bike for any mechanical defects as it may have been sitting for some months - this includes checking that the MOT is in date.
• Wear the appropriate protective gear. Dress for the slide, not for the ride!
• Allow plenty of time for your journey.
• Familiarise yourself with your bike.
• Be aware that the road surfaces following the winter period still require some attention.
• Be responsible and ride to the law and conditions.

We would also encourage any rider, no matter how experienced, to consider participating in a 'Safe Rider' workshop. The scheme comprises a series of downloads to keep, a two-and-a-half hour evening session and a five-hour road session. Riders will be introduced to the Police Roadcraft system - the corner stone of police riding.

The workshop provides individuals with professional advice and confirms their strengths and identifies their weaknesses as a rider. During the road session you will receive a demonstration ride by a police rider and there will be an opportunity to have your riding assessed with constructive feedback.

More information can be found here: Road safety courses | Suffolk Constabulary

Inspector Gary Miller, of the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: "As a biker myself, I appreciate how great it can be to get out and about when the sun is shining.

"All I ask is that you keep yourself as safe as you possibly can and plan for what will hopefully never happen. You can minimise the risk of coming off your bike and protect yourself if you do.

"It is the responsibility of all road users to keep each other safe. We want all motorists to drive with care, to be on the look-out for bikers and ensure you give them the space necessary. They have as much right to safely be on the roads as anyone else."