A British Insurance compnay is joining forces with police in an effort to improve road safety for motorcyclists.

Swinton Bikes, the specialist motorcycle insurance division of the Britain's Swinton Insurance will be working with Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire police as they hand out free high-visibility rider kits to motorcyclists, including a hi-vis vest and a rucksack, in a bid to reduce the number of collisions involving bikers.

The latest figures from the Department for Transport showed that all types of motorcycle casualties, including fatal and serious accidents, fell by 4% between 2008 and 2009. Despite this fact, motorcyclists are still considered 'high-risk' road users.

"While bikers represent only 1% of vehicle usage on our roads, 21% are killed or seriously injured. Although the latest figures show that motorcycle casualties have decreased in the last year, bikers still represent a high proportion of road deaths or injuries," Anthony Aronin, Head of Swinton Bikes, said.

"Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to accidents as they are often unseen by other road users. Hi-vis kits will help to reduce accident and casualties and also help to lower motorbike insurance claims," Aronin continued, "This scheme could also have further implications on bike insurance, including discounted premiums for riders who wear hi-vis gear or a reduction in motorcycle insurance payouts for riders who decline to take up the new safety measures."