The number of motorcyclists killed on Sussex roads is expected to double this year, a shock new study shows.
While the overall number of fatal crashes is falling, the figure for bikers killed is increasing every year.
A total of 55 died in Sussex between 2000 and 2002, more than the fatalities from all Britain's rail disasters in the past five years put together.
The study puts it bluntly: "If the increase is maintained then the number of motorcycle road deaths in Sussex this year will double the total for 2000."
The study, by Inspector Simon Labbett of Sussex Police's road policing unit, is attracting interest from councils and forces throughout Britain.
They too are experiencing the same tragic phenomenon and are hoping Mr Labbett's study will provide life-saving answers.
His investigation is continuing and he said: "Motorcycling is not dangerous but we are finding that a particular kind of motorcyclist is more likely to be killed."
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