A new scheme to help motorcyclists and scoter riders stay safe was announced hours before a biker was taken to hospital following the latest nasty accident in Hammersmith.

The victim, a man in his 30s, was involved in a crash with a lorry at the junction of Hammersmith Grove and Beadon Road - where the safety initiative will take place today (Friday) - in the rush hour last Friday evening. He was taken to Charing Cross Hospital with what were not thought to be life-threatening injuries.

The crash was the latest in a stream of accidents in Hammersmith in Fulham involving cyclists and motorbikers over the past months, leading Hammersmith and Fulham Council to step up its efforts to prevent further mishaps.

The authority is offering bikers and scooter riders who live, work or study in the borough a free place at a session on the BikeSafe or ScooterSafe London scheme, which helps bikers to stay safe on the capital’s busy roads.

Council road safety officers will be on hand to register people interested in the course, and Met Police traffic officers and representatives from the local motorcyclists’ group of the Institute of Advanced Motorists will also be there to offer general motorcycling safety advice.

Councillor Nick Botterill, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, welcomed the continued initiative. He said: "We want to improve the safety of all the motorcyclists and scooter riders who live here, or travel through the borough. The training days and our officers give people information about the potential dangers they face on the road but most importantly allow them to get the most out of biking in a safe way."

People can sign up to the scheme online or attend a road safety event today (Friday) between 7am-10am in Beadon Road, just outside the Hammersmith & City line Underground station.