25% of bikes stopped in Coventry not roadworthy

A QUARTER of all motorbikes tested in a police crackdown in Coventry were so dangerous, they were taken off the road.

Police carried out a series of operations targeting motorbikes in the north of Coventry after a spate of serious and fatal accidents in the city.

Out of 37 bikes checked, nine were so dangerous, police immediately took them off the road.

A further 13 had defects requiring attention - mostly brakes and tyres.

Sergeant Tim Rogers said many young bikers were neglecting maintenance at risk of their lives. He said the average age of riders stopped was 24.

"We want to get the message across that if you don't maintain your bike, you could die.

"We appreciate the appeal of motorcycling but we want people to be safe."

He added that police were setting up workshops with a local motorbike dealer where riders could learn essential bike maintenance.

This follows a spate of serious motorcycle accidents in the area over the last few months.