A SHARP increase in the number of bike riders and pedestrians being seriously injured on North East roads has led police to issue a warning for motorists.
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Eight cyclists and seven pedestrians have been hospitalised with serious injuries in the Wodonga and Wangaratta region this year, a 50 per cent increase for the same period last year.
A small number of the bike riders have been injured in falls, but most have been hit by cars.
Senior Sergeant Darren Wittingslow said drivers needed to be paying more attention while on the road, especially during the school holidays.
“There area lot of kids who ride bikes during the school holidays,” he said.
“With the warm weather people are starting to get out more and it's about people being mindful.
“We encourage people to wear high visibility clothes and make sure they’re seen with lights at night.”
Senior Sergeant Wittingslow said pedestrians were increasingly being distracted by smartphones, increasing their risk of being hit by cars.
