Roger Ball (Letters, April 10) is right to express concern about speeding motorcyclists.

Most are sensible, but when spring arrives, the bikes are sparkling but the riders’ skills rusty. Over-enthusiastic, even dangerous, riding is all too likely.

Many riders obtained licences when testing was much easier, and so lack the training of motor-cyclists who have passed more recently. All riders, however, can benefit from advanced training.

This encourages travelling quickly when it is safe and lawful to do so, but also developing the fullest awareness of hazards, and showing consideration towards other road users and to local residents.

Irresponsible motor-cyclists deserve punish-ment, but the police should continue their educational efforts. This might involve more discussion of the causes of accidents, and depicting some of the more gruesome effects.

Doing so would have a sobering effect on the outlooks of reckless riders, as well as on careless car and lorry drivers.

Motorbikes have a great contribution to make in this age of environmental concerns and overcrowded highways, and the exper-ience of riding a motorbike skillfully along winding country roads is one to be savoured.

But unless motorcyclists obey the law, the author-ities will impose ever-tougher restrictions.

Then the idiot minority will have no room to complain.

J Colman, Olympia Street, Burnley.