Police target motorcyclists in A494 safety campaign

Five bikers have died on the Corwen to Bala trunk road in the last decade

Motorcyclists using a north Wales road are the focus of a campaign by police hoping to cut the number of bike-related deaths.

North Wales Police say 59% of bikers killed or seriously injured in the force area in the last decade were using a nine-mile stretch of the A494 trunk road.

Since January 2004, five motorcyclists have died on the Corwen to Bala road.

The multi-agency campaign wants to raise awareness of the road's dangers.

Police have said between January 2004-March 2014 a total of 25 riders have died or been or seriously injured on the A494.

The campaign has brought together police, North Wales Fire and Rescue, the Welsh Ambulance Service, Trunk Roads Agency, Gwynedd Council, Snowdonia National Park and BikeSafe.

"We identified the need to raise awareness of motorcycle safety many years ago to help reduce road traffic casualties amongst motorcyclists," said Supt Rob Kirman, from the North Wales Police roads unit.

"Responsible riders are welcome to visit the area and take in the stunning scenery and landscape, but they should be aware that they face risk of death or serious injury by underestimating the risk posed by fatigue brought on by a combination of driving long distances and concentrating on navigating challenging and unfamiliar routes."

Colin Jones, Gwynedd council's road safety manager, added: "As a road safety professional and motorcyclist, I believe that partnership working is key to the success and longevity of this project and driving down casualty statistics involving motorcyclists who use the A494."