WITH the clocks going forward this morning, motorcyclists' thoughts turn to the open road, but the roads of rural Somerset can prove lethal to bikers, police have warned.

Across the Avon and Somerset Constabulary area there were 36 serious collisions involving motorcyclists in 2007, leading to 13 bikers losing their lives - 10 of them in Somerset.

So far in 2008 there have been five serious collisions involving motorbikes, and three motorcyclists have died.

Police want bikers to think about their safety as well as enjoying those roads, and are urging them to take part in Bike Safe and Ride to Arrive events.

These special events give motorcyclists the chance to have their riding skills assessed by experienced police traffic motorcyclists.

One day safety seminars are held across the force area and residential weekend events are held at the police headquarters in Portishead.

They can include input from all the emergency services, local authorities Institute of Advanced Motoring, Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and independent motorcycle trainers.

The Bike Safe event also includes a chance to test ride demonstration machines and get advice on motorcycle security as well as input from local retailers and major manufacturers.

There is a one-day seminar on Sunday, May 11, at Taunton For more information, call 01823-363200 or 0844-9800028.