Police motorcycle safety campaign gets into gear

30 March 2018, 16:07 | Updated: 30 March 2018, 16:09

Police chiefs have launched their annual motorcycle safety campaign as bikers begin to return to the road for the first time in several months.

It promotes safe and responsible motorcycling and aims to improve rider behaviour and reduce the number of road casualties.

The six-month campaign was launched on Friday outside the RRS Discovery in Dundee as longer daylight hours and better weather sees bikers return to roads and motorways.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams said: "Motorcycling on Scotland's roads is a fantastic and enjoyable experience.

"Although motorcyclists make up only 1% of the motoring public they account for around 16% of the people killed in road crashes, often during cornering or overtaking manoeuvres.

"Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than other motorists - the smallest of errors, by rider or driver, can lead to very serious consequences, particularly when high speeds are involved."

The campaign will be supported by safety camera units, including a specially equipped motorcycle with front-facing speed cameras.

Police Scotland will run seven Weekends of Action, beginning this weekend when they will be engaging with bikers to ensure their machines have been maintained and are fit for use.

This will also include checks to ensure both MoT certificates are current and insurance cover remains valid.

Police also warned other road users to look out for motorcyclists when turning at junctions, where many collisions occur.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf, who is supporting the campaign, urged bikers to check the Road Safety Scotland website for hints and tips.

He said: "As a motorcyclist myself I know better weather will be tempting many motorcyclists to head out to enjoy Scotland's roads in the days and weeks ahead, but it's incredibly important people do so in a safe manner and ride to the conditions.

"That's why this Police Scotland campaign is so important. It develops local action plans to focus on the priority routes used by motorcyclists so we can engage with riders to encourage best practice."