MOTOR CYCLISTS in Lancashire are being urged to take lessons in safer riding - and it won't cost them a thing.

Police and county officials are teaming up to offer free places on a new RIDE' motor cycle retraining course to local people.

Keen riders are wanted to help test the scheme which aims to reduce the number of accidents involving bikers.

RIDE stands for Riders Improving and Developing their Experience' and will try to teach bikers to drive much more safely.

It may be offered in future as an alternative to prosecution for people who would normally be convicted of careless riding.

Volunteers will be able to take extra lessons in the theory of driving as well as developing coping strategies by learning better ways of riding, says Rob Winn, the motor cycle road safety adviser leading the pilot project.

He says; "Crashes involving motor cyclists are still worryingly high and, in order to reduce bike related casualties, riders must be equipped with the training to enable them to ride safely and appropriately.

"All riders can improve, regardless of how long they have owned a bike and this course provides a perfect opportunity to do this."

Anyone who holds a full motor cycle licence and is interested in taking part in the pilot can call Rob for more details on 01772-533086.

For more information about the work of the Lancashire road safety group call 0800 328 3615 or visit www.lancashireroadsafety.co.uk.