Bike crashes down

Fatal and serious motorcycle casualties have fallen by 8% in a year according to new government figures.

Deaths and serious injuries fell faster for motorcyclists than car users, who saw a 7% fall.

All motorcyclist casualties were down 4% according to Department for Transport data.

The figures are based on accidents reported to the police in the year to June 2011. They show total cyclist casualties rose 6% while the number killed or seriously injured was up 8%.