Fresh concerns about bikers using high-powered machines on the roads of North Yorkshire were raised today after a new death on the county's roads.

Witnesses were today urged to come forward after a motorcyclist was killed in a three-vehicle crash near Helmsley.

Chief Inspector David Short heads North Yorkshire Police's Bikesafe 2000 campaign, which aims to hammer home a safety message to motorcyclists, particularly so-called "born-again bikers" - those aged over 30 who return to riding after a break of a few years.

He said: "Yesterday's collision sadly fitted the criteria of our concerns. It involved a high-powered sports motorcycle being ridden by someone who lost control on a bend and collided with an oncoming car and, as a consequence, the rider lost his life."

The accident happened at about 11.25am yesterday on the B1363 at Gilling East, between York and Helmsley.

John Wilkinson, 25, of Gilroyd Parade, Morley, Leeds, died when his motorcycle was involved in a head-on collision with a blue Ford Orion car after he failed to negotiate a left-hand bend.

Motorist Ryan Thomas Batty, of Baslow Crescent, Dodsworth, Barnsley, and passenger Helen Marie Ford suffered shock.

A second motorcyclist, Stephen Cowles, 32, of Walton Drive, Drighlington, Bradford, suffered a broken leg when his machine was involved in collision with the car.

A spokeswoman at York District Hospital said Mr Cowles was in a "comfortable" condition today.

The road was closed for about four hours after yesterday's collision, which happened as a group of motorcyclists made their way to Helmsley.

The Ryedale town is a popular gathering place for bikers, with several hundred machines parking up in the market place on Sundays during the spring and summer.

Chief Insp Short said the Bikesafe 2000 display caravan would be on the road around North Yorkshire from next Sunday, starting in Helmsley. "As well as giving people user-friendly advice, we will be targeting dangerous, careless and inconsiderate riding and excessive speed on the road."

Rillington councillor Mary Wilkinson said she found the speed of bikers travelled around Ryedale "alarming".

"I find it daunting when I'm in a car and a group of bikers speed past, just missing the vehicle."

About 6,000 people are expected to descend on Helmsley in June when the Motorcycle Action Group holds its annual fundraising rally at Duncombe Park, the stately home of Lord Feversham. More than 5,000 bikers attended a rally there in 1996.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.