Sir, – I refer to your report "Biker dies as campaign spreads safety message" (D&S, Sept 19).

Earlier this year a spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police stated that the force would

be working to reduce the level of fatal and serious injuries sustained by motorcyclists

on North Yorkshire roads.

This crusade began in Helmsley and followed the modern trend in policing of handing out leaflets and engaging with motorcyclists.

Move forward in time to the Sunday in question. I made two journeys along the A171 that morning between Guisborough and Whitby and witnessed the whole spectrum of motorcycle riding from the safe and steady to the outright dangerous. What I didn't see was any road traffic police and the reason for this is that dedicated road traffic departments in police forces across the country have been decimated and in many cases cease to exist.

There is a saying that good driving is ten per cent skill, ten per cent knowledge and eighty per cent attitude.

The attitude of road users needs to change with bad driving becoming as socially unacceptable as drink driving. For those who think the Road Traffic Act is something they can pick and choose from we need a return to dedicated road traffic policing because the impact of a fixed penalty notice or court summons is far greater than any leaflet or "think bike" sign.

Sadly, the attitude of the government, police and crime commisioners and chief constables seems to be that the current situation is acceptable.

TIMOTHY WOOD

Guisborough.