POLICE continue to investigate ways to improve safety on the Upper Icknield Way.

The investigation was prompted after a Princes Risborough couple saw their dog being run over and killed by a motorbike on the pathway.

In the past few weeks the Princes Risborough Neighbourhood Policing Team has been making contact with various departments to see what can be done to improve safety and to tackle the anti social use of motorcycles across the area.

In the latest police newsletter it said: "In relation to the section of the UIW, between New Road and the Earl Mitchell Playing Field, a meeting was arranged with the rights of way officer from the council to discuss safety.

"A number of proposals were considered, e.g. improvement of signage and erection of a gate or barrier. Unfortunately due to the potential cost and the lack of evidence to support the safety measures the improvements are not viable.

"Also taken into consideration were the potential restrictions the safety measures would have upon the less able and elderly members of the community. Plus if any gate/barrier was erected previous experience has shown that motorcyclists normally find another way to gain access."

The UIW is a bridleway and pedestrians, dog walkers, mountain bikers, horse riders, motor cyclists and vehicles can use it.

Motorcycles and vehicles can access the bridleway between the dates specified on the signs but these vehicles must be road legal and the users must have the appropriate license and insurance.

The Country Side and Rights of Way Act also recommend that dogs are kept under effective control whilst using rights of way.

The policing team has also looked into trying to get a specialist service of an off road motorcycle team, but Thames Valley Police do not have this service and it is too costly to hire per day.

However, patrols have been upped in the areas where the motorcyclists have been reported and PC John Belson from the Roads Policing Department is on hand to help the team track down and prosecute those breaking the law and helping with other road safety issues in the area.