MOTORBIKES have been in the news lately so it's nice when something good is said about them.

I went to Stamford Bridge for my Sunday paper and had to get in line with a stream of cars that were heading to the coast. It took 20 minutes to get to the traffic lights but, never mind, it was Bank Holiday.

When I arrived what a wonderful sight met me: dozens of motorbikes. They were gathering for the Easter Run and I believe their destination was Bridlington.

Some bikers were in the shops, and were very polite and friendly, and there was a good atmosphere everywhere.

I saw plenty of stewards organising proceedings. Some of the women bikers had bunny ears on their helmets, and I saw a tall 'pink rabbit'.

As they passed me up the hill I waved them off. They were in single file and very orderly. So keep going bikers, it was nice to see you, you made my day.

Brenda Mackfall,

Hendwick Hall,

York.

...I READ yet another letter from a paranoid motorcyclist (April 9). It was a typical whinge at the North Yorkshire police summer road safety campaign, which is largely aimed at motorcyclists.

Last year was one of the worst for motorcycle deaths in the county for many years and, quite rightly, the police had to do something about it. It is not discrimination, it is targeting the section of road users who most need targeting.

The last paragraph of P Wright's letter stated: "This could be an ideal opportunity for North Yorkshire police to show the way forward to other forces and make our roads safer by educating drivers, not persecuting them."

North Yorkshire police did just that in 1998 with Bikesafe 2000, which won an award for Supt Dave Short.

This has been taken up by nearly all forces in Britain. Since the start of Bikesafe 2000 accident figures have increased, not decreased, so it obviously doesn't work.

It seems the only way to educate some people is by prosecution or confiscating their bikes, and if it gets those idiots off the roads then it will be better for "good, law abiding people".

Before you start thinking I am anti-bike, let me point out that I have been a keen motorcyclist for almost 38 years, the last 20 of those as a police motorcyclist before I retired last year.

Let's hope the fatalities come down this year.

SC Bushby,

Address supplied.

Updated: 11:44 Saturday, April 17, 2004