A NOTORIOUS stretch of road which has been the scene of several fatal motorcycle accidents has been flagged up to bikers as one of the “great roads in the North of England”.

The B1257 Helmsley to Stokesley road through picturesque Bilsdale, is “famously nicknamed the North Yorkshire TT” says Rider magazine, a leading publications for motorcyclists.

Its latest issue says of the 19-mile road, that it is noted for its “stunning views, complex mix of corners and an exhilarating ride”

but it warns riders to watch out for deceptive bends, dry stone walls, police and tractors.

“Some roads are famous, not to say infamous and come loaded with expectations. Most of them disappoint – but not the B1257,” says the magazine, adding: “It’s easy to see why this road could attract fast riders as it rises and falls across the moors. It’s also plain to see this is a road that could easily bite the unwary or the unlucky. It is a technical bit of Tarmac, open and fast in places, with suddenly tightening bends and limit points that really do vanish.”

The magazine says the B1257 takes both “skill and luck” to ride quickly and adds: “This is the kind of road that makes you want to get on your bike, not for a shot of adrenaline but for a giant dose of feelgood riding.”

There are fears that the promotion of the route could see a bigger influx of motorcyclists using the road.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said there had been 20 motorcycle fatalities in 2010, despite the 95 Alive campaign run by the police and North Yorkshire County Council, which has been specifically targeted motorcyclists urging them to take more care on the county’s 6,000 miles of roads.

A county council spokesman said: “We encourage all road users to come and enjoy our county but to drive with care. We want them to come here but to go home safely.”

Police are still seeking witnesses to the hit-and-run collision on the Helmsley to Stokesley road on Saturday May 29 when a 74-year-old woman was knocked down by one of two motorcycles being driven towards Stokesley.

Inspector Nick Wattam said: “It is very disappointing and disturbing that the two riders have failed to contact us. This behaviour is totally unacceptable and I urge anyone with any information to contact us.”