A grieving sister has begged bikers to sign up to Essex Police's Responsible Rider scheme.

Sarah Simons spoke out at a special launch day held at police headquarters in Chelmsford yesterday.

The force is introducing the scheme to encourage motorcyclists to take more care on the roads.

Mrs Simons, of Herriot Way, Great Totham, told bikers from around the county how her brother was killed after he came off his Suzuki.

Andrew Cater, of Granary Close, Latchingdon, last control of his bike on a bend in Fyfield in 1998 and was involved in a collision with a Land Rover.

Mrs Simons, 29, said: "I thought my brother was a careful driver. He left to go to the pub on June 24 and two hours later a policeman knocked at my door. I felt totally numb.

"I also knew I would have to call my mum and tell her what had happened. How do you ring up a mum and tell her that she has lost a son? I had to make that call."

Thirty-one bikers died on Essex roads last year, with 268 seriously injured.

Visitors to yesterday's event could go out for free driving assessments with trained police riders and sign up the Responsible Rider scheme. The roadshow will be visiting events all over the county over the coming months.

Published Monday, April 8, 2002