ALBANY — Motorcyclists will be getting a lot of police attention this summer as the number of riders increase with the price of gas.

State police said this morning they will be conducting roadside safety inspections of motorcycles similar to those conducted on commercial trucks.

"We want to raise awareness of motorcycle safety throughout the state," said Sgt. Daniel Larkin. "Checkpoints will be set up to inspect safety violations, including tires, lighting, helmets and operating licenses."

Larkin said the first checkpoint will be conducted beginning at 2:30 p.m. today on the Adirondack Northway between exits 17 and 18.

The number of fatal accidents on motorcycles has been on the increase in recent years at the same time as fewer people have been killed in other vehicles, Larkin said. Troop G Commander Major William Sprague said fatal motorcycle accidents increased 29 percent from 2004 to 2006.

"Some of the reasons for the increase are: there are more motorcycles on the road, there is an increase in the engine size and speed capability of the motorcycles and there is a lack of driver training and awareness," Sprague said.

Young cyclists performing stunts and driving unsafely and older cyclists who are not experienced have increased the number of accidents in the state, he said.

"The total traffic volume in the state of New York last year was 141 billion vehicle miles. That included an increase in the number of motorcycles on the road," he said.