CAPITAL REGION — Motorcyclists and their equipment will receive plenty of attention this summer from police, who anticipate an increase in the number of motorcycles on the road.

State police said Friday 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 was conducted Friday on the Northway between Exit 17 in Moreau and Exit 18 in Queensbury.

“Motorcyclists will be alerted to stop by electric signs, and we will be conducting these checkpoints throughout the state all summer,” he said.

Statistics show the number of fatal accidents on motorcycles has been on the increase in recent years. At the same time fewer people have been killed in enclosed vehicles.

Maj. William Sprague, commander of state police Troop G, said fatal motorcycle accidents increased 29 percent from 2004 to 2006.

Sprague said ome of the reasons for the increase are:

u There are more motorcycles on the road;

u There is an increase in the engine size and speed capability of the motorcycles;

u There is a lack of driver training and awareness.

Young cyclists performing stunts and otherwise driving unsafely and older cyclists who are not experienced also 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.

Sgt. James Halvorsen often patrols on a state police motorcycle.

He said many bikers are riding with substandard helmets and if they are stopped, they will be ticketed as if they were riding without a helmet.

“Helmets must be [Department of Transportation] approved,” he said. “Just having the DOT sticker on the back of the helmet doesn’t mean much. You can buy a roll of those stickers for $1 on the Internet.”

He said approved helmets have at least 11⁄4 inches of foam and a hard shell to protect the wearer from an impact.

“The substandard helmets don’t even have a manufacturer’s name in them because the manufacturer doesn’t want to be sued when someone dies,” Halvorsen said.

Police urged other motorists to be aware of the bikers, who might not be as visible as larger vehicles.

Larkin said eduction programs will be initiated to remind motorists to look both ways when pulling onto roads or changing lanes on the highway.

He said motorcyclists should wear bright colors or reflective markings on dark clothing to draw other drivers’ eyes to their presence.