MOTORCYCLISTS have been warned of the dangers of riding while tired in a new campaign supported by North Yorkshire Police.

The campaign was started by Inspector Dave Mangan - a roads policing inspector whose father was killed in a motorbike crash last year.

Insp Mangan works with Lancashire Constabulary and created a short film about his father Mike’s final ride which will be shown to bikers across North Yorkshire, and around the country, and will receive its North Yorkshire premiere on Sunday at a biker engagement and education event in Helmsley market place.

Mike Mangan, from Bolton, was 72 when he collided with an oncoming vehicle while overtaking on September 11 last year in Wheddon Cross, Somerset, on the last ten miles of a 320 mile journey. His family believes that tiredness was a contributory factor in his death.

Insp Mangan - who was riding from Lands End to Minehead with his father when the fatal crash happened - said: “My family and I are still trying to come to terms with what happened. We miss him every day. My dad was a keen and experienced biker. He was a trained advanced motorcycle observer and used to teach other motorcyclists how they could stay safe on the roads.

“We have decided to use this tragic incident to help educate other riders. If it reminds just one biker of the dangers faced by riding whilst tired, then it will be a success. When bikers are making a long journey, towards the end they may start to feel tired and lose concentration.

"It is really important that riders recognise this and adjust their riding to the conditions. Even experienced riders can make errors of judgment which can result in serious consequences. Please don’t make this mistake.”

In 2013, 15 bikers died on North Yorkshire roads, many of whom were visiting the county from around the country, and North Yorkshire Police’s Deputy Chief Constable Tim Madgwick is chairman of the 95 Alive York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership, and urged riders not to risk driving while tired.

He said: “Mike’s last ride is an emotional and poignant reminder of the potential consequences of riding while tired.

“We are keen to spread the message of Mike’s last ride far and wide to help prevent more families from experiencing such loss and heartache.”