POLICE are to relaunch their campaign to reduce motorcycle accidents and deaths after two riders died in accidents in the past week.

Richard John Adamson, 47 , from Stokesley, died after his Triumph machine was involved in a head-on collision with a Nissan Micra, two miles south of Chop Gate on the notorious Helmsley to Stokesley road - which became known in motor cycling circles as the Bilsdale TT a few years ago after a spate of fatalities.

The car driver and her two passengers, all from Stokesley, were taken to the James Cook Hospital at Middlesbrough.

Police said Mr Adamson was travelling towards Stokesley when the accident happened. They have appealed for any witnesses to call them on 01723 509555.

In the second accident, York motorcyclist, Lee Anthony Stevens of Millgates, Acomb, died on Sunday in a crash on the A1039 Staxton to Filey road.

The 30-year-old's multicoloured Honda CBR is thought to have hit a number of vehicles including a green Renault Scenic.

Mr Stevens came off his machine and was hit by another vehicle in the road.

Mr Stevens, a former pupil of Manor School, York, died at the scene, said police.

The school's assistant headteacher, Dave Crane, said: "I am absolutely gutted - he was a lad's lad. He was full of life, everything was fun for him. He was a real character. It's a tragic loss and my heart goes out to his family."

Lee played both football and played rugby.

Police said Mr Steven's death brought the number of motorcyclists killed on the county's roads so far this year to four.

Any witnesses to Mr Stevens accident should contact TC Paul Moon on 0845 6060247.

Tony Lidgate, spokesman for North Yorkshire police, said police would be using a variety of devices to combat motorcycle accidents this summer. "The leisure motorcycle season does seem to have started early - usually it is not until Easter."

He said the police would be using speed assessment techniques including roadside cameras which can also ascertain whether a machine is taxed and insured, laser guns and fast tracking "extreme" speeders - those travelling at 30 mph or more above the legal limit - to court.

One motorcyclist had been caught driving at 134 mph on the Settle bypass said Mr Lidgate.

"Driver going at fast speeds can expect to be in court within a week and could lose their licence which would have a major effect on them if they need their transport to get to work."

However, added Mr Lidgate, the biggest number of excessive speeds are car drivers.

He said the police campaign would also be targeting motorists urging them to keep a sharp look out for motorcyclists who can be on top of them very quickly.

Police are also running Bike Safe classes in which any motorcyclists can get advice on techniques from professional police motorcyclists.

"We welcome motorcyclists to North Yorkshire but what we don't want are 'show-offs' because they give the motorcycling world a bad name, " said Mr Lidgate.

As a result of previous campaigns the number of motorcycle deaths in North Yorkshire has dropped in recent years. The Helmsley to Stokesley road had one fatality last year, but none the previous year.