Bikers have demanded to be given more respect by other motorists following two fatal accidents in the last three weeks.

They claim car drivers often fail to obey traffic laws and carry out dangerous manoeuvres, putting their lives at risk.

Bahraini motorbike champion Yousif Karimi, 29, became the latest victim to lose his life after he collided with a car near the Grand Mosque in Juffair on June 8.

It is understood the Muharraq resident was knocked off his bike by an FJ Cruiser driven by a Saudi which allegedly swerved into him as he changed lanes without indicating.

The driver was later taken into custody for questioning.

The death of Mr Karimi, a prominent member of the Bahrain Motorcycle Club (BMC), came two weeks after Bahraini Mohammed Ali Mandoos was killed when he lost control on the Shaikh Salman Highway in East Riffa during bad weather.

Several other accidents, including two involving serious injuries to bikers, have also been reported in recent weeks.

Harley-Davidson Bahrain sales manager Raj Raveendranath said action must be taken to reduce the risk of more fatalities.

"We do not feel safe while riding on the streets, many drivers do not bother to follow rules," he said.

"We see many driving while talking on the phone, eating or chatting with other passengers. This is very dangerous because not only there are cars on the road there are also motorcycles which are ridden by human beings.

"The tragic deaths of such young people terrify us all, because that means that riding in Bahrain can be a dangerous experience.

"We really need more traffic campaigns to raise the public awareness of the importance of paying attention to everything around them while driving."

BMC president Isa Al Awadhi said awareness campaigns and workshops were needed to educate people about road safety, particularly surrounding bikers.

"The drivers here do not respect bikers at all, they think that managing a motorcycle is similar to a bicycle," he said.

"The bike is heavier and faster so it needs more attention from its rider and people need to realise this fact.

"We at the club urge people to drive safely because we do not want to lose more souls.

"We have just lost one of the best bikers in Bahrain, Yousif was an energetic and lively member.

"Sadly, the impact was so strong that it made us lose a very dear friend and brother."