THOUSANDS of bikers are expected to flood the roads in and around Swindon this Bank Holiday weekend.

And warnings are going out to motorbike enthusiasts to make sure they stay safe.

This comes after it has been revealed that there could be at least two ride-outs at the weekend.

It is believed that the National Chopper Club are expecting anything from 600 to 1,000 bikers to take part in a ride-out from Calne that will go through Swindon.

And there will also be an organised ride-out on Sunday from George White's Superbike Centre in Manchester Road.

The Highways Agency is issuing a safety warning to motorcyclists, including tips aimed at cutting down the number of accidents.

Latest figures show that more than 700 motorcyclists or their pillion passengers were killed or seriously injured on the UK's roads in 2003.

Of these, 95 per cent were men. In total, 86 people were killed with one in three accidents happening at the weekend.

Rachel Patterson, an instructor at Blunsdon Motorcycle School, said: "This Bank Holiday is the first weekend of the season where the weather will hopefully be good enough for ride-outs, so there will be loads of bikers out and about.

"Bikers need to be very careful this weekend. They should wear bright clothing and assume that no other road user has seen them.

"Also they should watch out for Bank Holiday traffic, which can be very unpredictable."

The Highways Agency says bikers should plan their journeys carefully, keep an eye on weather conditions, use proper protective equipment, keep their distance from other vehicles, and always take it steady.

The agency's safety co-ordinator Stuart Lovatt said: "Motorcyclists enjoy their pastime with a passion, but we want them to return home safe and sound this Bank Holiday.

"It is about much more than just reducing accident figures every accident is a personal tragedy."

Jamie Hill