Not good reading

[Kwacky]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-33755093" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Three motorcyclists have been killed in separate accidents across Wales within four hours of each other.

On Sunday, the first happened on the A489 in Powys followed by two on the A470 in south Wales.

At 08:50 BST a man, 49, died when his bike hit a minibus near Kerry.

On the A470 at 12:10 BST another male biker, 53, collided with a BMW. Just 35 minutes later the third biker died near Treforest, Rhondda Cynon Taff, in a crash with a Renault Clio.

South Wales Police and Dyfed-Powys Police are both appealing for witnesses to the incidents.

[Rossgo]

Jesus Christ that's bad. Poor souls. RIP to these guys

On another note does anyone think this will affect speed limits now across the country?

[Rossgo]

Not saying this is speed related but the police and council usually like to be seen to doing something about these incidents

[Kwacky]

Most single country lanes have been dropped from National Speed Limit to 50mph

I suspect there will be a few police out and about over the next couple of weeks on the popular biking roads of Wales.

The 489 is very popular so I suspect the police will target that most of all and try and to reduce its popularity.

[Blade]

That's the road to Newtown from Craven Arms I believe.

Agree will be a high police presence especially at weekends and probably in unmarked BMW.

Tragic news though and thoughts and prayers with family and friends of the fallen bikers.

[Perkles]

tragic news,expect a big crack down in those areas

[duke63]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-33759608#_=_" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Kwacky]

Good old BBC journalism - the static photo of the bike gives the impression it's going at warp speed and the crashed bike is German.

"However, the fatality rate among motorcyclists is much higher, due to the high speeds involved."

Bugger all to do with the fact we're not wrapped inside a metal cage with crumble zones and air bags?

[C00kiemonster]

I'm giving up motorcycles, they sound dangerous

[duke63]

I think of most concern is that people in higher places are taking notice.

[Blade]

The Gosafe safety partnership have said accident rates have been falling since 1980 although reductions had stagnated in the last 8 years.

The authorities are spinning it a diffirent way saying there has been an increase in the last 7 years but don't say by how much so I'm assuming it's a very small increase and overall the accident rate is reducing but they are twisting it to look worse than it is.

They also say accident rates for motorcyclists are similar to pedal cyclists but I bet the police are not focusing on pedal cyclists who in my experience can be a real hazard to other road users.

Looks like bikers are becoming a target again which is not good to hear as barring a few idiots most people are sensible safe riders.

[duke63]

It's news for the moment because of last weekend. Hopefully a quiet few weeks will see normality return.

[edski675]

The road from Newtown to the Cross Gates is horrible. I say that as a biker. I avoid it, even though it's not that far from me, as the last time I rode it I had FIVE near-misses with morons on bikes going far too fast, underestimating the severity of the bends, and running wide. It's not nice when suddenly you see a bike coming hurtling towards you because the idiot on it is riding like a knob.

There are much nicer roads in Shropshire and mid-Wales that are practically deserted. And yet all these sheep think that the road from Newtown is the only one. Well, no it isn't. I can tell you of any number. One of my fave rides is the A458 from Welshpool to Llanfair Caereinion, take a right onto the A495 through Meifod, after a while take a right onto the A490, which end up back at Welshpool. I swear that you won't find better twisties anywhere. Or try the roads from Shrewsbury, to Myddle, north Shropshire, then to Bala, over the Cambrian Mountains. It's just awesome. On a clear day, the views are terrific, and the road - well it's a peach. You want more? Then carry on to Barmouth and up the coast road through Harlech to Porthmadog and back via Trawsfynydd and the A4212. And if you want sex, then get thine arse to Betws-y-Coed and round the east side of Snowdon through the Pass of Llanberis, not quite to Caernarfon, and back down the west side of Snowdon via Beddgelert to Penrhyndeudraeth and back towards Bala, as before.

If you want the routes, then just say and I'll post them up.

[Blade]

Great info edski and yes please to posting up the routes.

[Kwacky]

Any local knowledge would be very much appreciated.

[edski675]

OK, I'll do the Google maps thingy and post em up.

[Kwacky]

You're a star, thanks.

I'll plan a couple of rides in early autumn once the holiday makers have gone home and the fair weather riders have started to hang up their leathers