DRIVERS have been urged to be on the lookout for vulnerable road users following two fatal motorbike crashes over the Bank Holiday weekend.

A 43-year-old Bournemouth man died in a crash in Belle Vue Road, Southbourne at 1pm on Sunday May 30.

Less than seven hours later a Harley Davidson rider in his 50s from Yeovil died in a crash in Winterbourne Steepleton.

Investigations are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding each collision.

Now a senior Dorset Police traffic officer has issued a warning.

Inspector Craig Tatton, from the traffic unit, said: "Motorcyclists and cyclists don’t have a roll cage, seat belts or airbags, so when they are involved in a collision they are sadly often seriously injured or killed.

"Everyone can play a part in reducing the risk and the number of incidents on the roads. Queues and delays can be stressful and frustrating, which can cause road users to take risks and make mistakes.

"We want everyone to respect each other whilst using our roads and urge all road users to do the same by taking that extra time to look for vulnerable road users and make sure they have been seen."

Police are working with partner agencies to remind all road users of the importance of taking extra time to look for vulnerable road users, especially at junctions.

A campaign was launched in April 2021, which identified key known locations where motorcyclists have been injured in road traffic collisions. Unique road signs were placed in these areas to remind all road users to take that extra time and THINK BIKE!

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: "The next few weeks are likely to remain extremely busy on our roads as residents and tourists alike take advantage of the good weather.

"I’d like to ask everyone who will be out and about to please take care, slow down and look out for other road users."

Christine Sharma, road safety manager at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Biker Down, which is a National Fire Chiefs Council initiative, is delivered in Dorset by our partners at Doc Bike.

"By exploring scene management, first aid and the science of being seen, this intervention encourages all road users to be accountable for the safety of motorcyclists. Whether or not you’re a biker, please consider booking onto a Biker Down course by contacting them at bikerdown@docbike.org."

A guide has been produced to provide advice to all road users about how they can be safe on the roads. It can be found on the Dorset Road Safe website - dorsetroadsafe.org.uk