NEARLY 140 motorcyclists were injured on Hounslow's roads last year.
The shocking figure, which dwarfs the number of pedestrian or cyclist casualties, emerged as a major safety awareness campaign was launched this week.
RightGear London has teamed up with businesses in Hounslow and 17 other boroughs across the capital to highlight the importance of wearing protective clothes.
A total of 137 motorcyclists were injured in Hounslow during 2010, according to statistics published by the Department for Transport on October 13.
That is significantly more than the 119 pedestrians and 110 cyclists injured during the same period, although accidents involving cars (567) accounted for the vast majority of the 975 injuries overall.
Across London, there were 4,337 recorded collisions resulting in death or injury amongst motorcyclists or moped riders during 2010. Of those, 81 per cent happened on weekdays - many during peak hours, when drivers are commuting to work.
Firms and organisations signing up to the campaign, including 21 in Hounslow, will receive promotional material, including a striking poster featuring a naked motorcyclist.
Liz Knight, road safety manager at Hounslow Council, said: "The cost to employers of work time lost due to PTW rider collisions is significant, and it's a cost that is often overlooked.
"While motorcycles and mopeds are a great way to beat the traffic and congestion, they are potentially dangerous too.
It is important everyone understands the safety considerations and is adequately prepared to ride these vehicles."
For more information, visit www.rightgearlondon/employers or call 0131 668 1880.
