Two motorcyclists were seriously hurt in separate accidents today.

Both men are said to be in a stable condition with their families at their hospital bedsides.

The accidents came a day after police launched a campaign to improve biker safety on the roads this summer.

The first rider was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital by air ambulance after his bike collided with a van.

The biker came off his machine in Saddlescombe Road at Devil's Dyke near Brighton at about 10.40am.

Officers had to close the road to allow the air ambulance helicopter to land and the road to be cleared.

A second motorbike was also recovered from the scene but police said they were unaware of anyone else being injured.

Then at about 11.45am a second accident happened, this time in Madgwick Lane, Chichester.

The man fell from his bike and was taken to St Richard's Hospital in Chichester.

No other vehicles are believed to have been involved.

On Saturday the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership (SSRP) launched its series of courses called BikeSafe.

They are designed to improve rider safety as bikers take to the roads for the summer.

The courses offer riders an opportunity to improve their skills through theory and practical sessions.

Drivers are also being reminded to be extra vigilant when taking to the county’s highways and byways.

Neil Hopkins, communications manager for the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, said: “The level of death and injury amongst the biking community is of grave concern.

“While most riders get to where they’re going safely, there are a large number of collisions which could, and should, have been avoided, resulting in an injury spectrum from bruised pride to serious injury, or even death.

“Riders of larger capacity bikes are a specific risk group that the SSRP have identified and will be working with closely over the coming months. From offering extra assessments through BikeSafe to monitoring the roads for anti-social riding using a range of covert motorcycles, the SSRP are determined to make the roads safer for all.”

For more information about the BikeSafe course visit www.bikesafe.co.uk or call the BikeSafe Hotline on 08452 307 407.

Anyone with information on either of the accidents should call police on 0845 6070999.