Road deaths prompt warning to bikers visiting Cumbria
Police in Cumbria are urging bikers to take extra care over what is expected to be one of the busiest bank holiday periods of the year.
The county has seen six deaths involving motorbikes so far this year.
Cumbria police said they were particularly concerned as visitors with horse-drawn carriages were on their way to the annual Appleby Horse fair.
Extra patrols will be monitoring known danger areas as part of the force's Bikesafe scheme.
Insp Andy Wilkinson, of Cumbria Police, said: "Riders who are familiar with our rural roads regularly enjoy quiet and relatively traffic-free routes.
"However, they may get a shock this weekend when they see so many vehicles and slow horse-drawn caravans using fast A-roads as they make their way to Appleby Horse Fair.
"We have had six fatal motorcycle collisions in Cumbria since February, and I'd urge all road users to slow down and take extra care."
The Appleby Horse Fair, from 2-8 June, expects to attract up to 40,000 visitors and gypsies and travellers who travel from all across Europe to celebrate the ancient traditional holiday.