A SAFETY campaign urging drivers and bikers to take extra care on rural roads has been launched in Gloucestershire.

Launched by Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership, the campaign reminds drivers to 'Think Bike - Look Twice and Drivers Think Before Turning'.

Road signs with the safety message have been placed on a number of routes popular with bikers.

They include the A38, A435, A4136, B4425 and B4215.

Of the people killed or seriously injured on Gloucestershire's roads between 2012-2014, 22% were riding motorcycles.

The aim of the campaign is to reduce the number of riders injured by making riders and drivers more aware of each other and potential hazards on rural roads.

Councillor Will Windsor-Clive said: "The vast majority of motorcyclists ride responsibly and understand the potential for risk in the more rural parts of our county.

"It helps to remind people that they should not only think of their own safety but the safety of other road users when driving in the countryside.

"The signs will act as a prompt to everyone to ensure they take care on Gloucestershire's rural roads."

The Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership offers advice and courses for both riders and drivers to help develop their skills and knowledge.

Chris Harrison, motorcycle safety co-ordinator for the RSP, said: "This campaign has been very successful in the past we are keen to repeat it in 2015.

"As the motorcycling season gets fully underway, we want to remind both riders and drivers of their joint responsibility to keep each other safe.

"We hope signing these routes acts as a clear reminder to all road users to look out for each other on all of the counties roads."

For more details, visit www.roadsafety-gloucestershire.org.uk.