CUTTING the numbers of motorcycle deaths on North Yorkshire roads is the aim of a newly-formed partnership.

Targeting performance bike riders, the North of England Partnership aims to deliver a no-nonsense message to speedy bikers who have "greater ambition than ability".

The project will deliver a light-hearted yet serious message via the internet, encouraging motorcyclists to register their most "pants-filling moment" on a bike.

The site delivers safety and training messages alongside invitations to download maps of "great rides on great roads" - detailing the hazards that can be expected on B-roads in the region.

Called Handle It Or Lose It, the project will see the distribution of over 70,000 leaflets in biker magazines over the next two months.

Last year saw a record number of biker deaths on North Yorkshire roads, with many coming during the summer season. Hambleton District Council is one of the driving forces behind the partnership, which also includes North Yorkshire Police.

Deputy chief executive Phil Morton, who chairs the partnership steering group, said: "This campaign cannot fail. With the enormous amount of backing and support that has been generated, we strongly believe the initiative can only go from strength to strength."

"Subtlety and sustainability is key to reaching our objective of reducing fatalities on our region's roads."

Bikers can long on to the website at www.handleitorloseit.com

Updated: 11:09 Tuesday, April 01, 2003