Central Scotland Police

Motorcyclist safety campaign revs up

Monday, 29th March 2010
Encouraging bikers to ride safely on key routes in Central Scotland is the aim behind a new initiative which has been launched.

Central Scotland Safety Camera Partnership and Central Scotland Police are working together to engage with motorcyclists and encourage responsible behaviour whilst enjoying some of the most popular routes in the country.

Based on the 'Around the Corner' initiative, two new route maps form part of an interactive campaign developed for bikers by bikers and focuses on encouraging riders to hone their skills through education and engagement. The maps highlight the areas where added skill and attentions may be required.

The aim is to increase biker safety and skills awareness with the objective being to reduce the number of casualties on the road network. Last year in Central Scotland, 11 people were fatally injured on roads in the force area, six of those were motorcyclists.

The new route maps cover two of the most popular routes for motorcyclists. The area has many scenic roads, which have been recognised for years as popular amongst bikers: The Gateway Run (54 miles, Stirling-Tyndrum: A84/A85/A82) and the Dukes Run (51 miles, loop starting and ending in Stirling using A84/A821/A81 and A873).

The maps can be accessed here. Full details of the Around the Corner campaign, which will feature maps from around the country, can be accessed at www.aroundthecorner.org.uk. You can also access information on Central Scotland Safety Camera Partnership, how it operates and camera sites at www.centralsafetycameras.co.uk.

Motorcycle officers will also be out and about on the key routes over the coming months, engaging with bikers ensuring they enjoy their ride in Central Scotland, but enjoy it safely.

Chief Inspector Donald McMillan, head of Roads Policing, said: "Central Scotland is a big attraction for motorcyclists due to the nature of the roads, particularly to the west and north of Stirling. We want to encourage people to come and enjoy everything the area has to offer visitors, but to do so safely. We want riders to go home at the end of the day not having been involved in a road traffic collision of any kind and by highlighting the areas where extra care and attention may be required, hopefully we can all help to reduce the number of injuries on the roads. This is about interacting with bikers and encouraging them to be safe in our area.

"Enforcement will still be there, as it is for any other road user who does not adhere to the law, but the focus is very much on positive engagement."

Neil MacSporran, Central Scotland Safety Camera Partnership manager, said: "The vast majority of bikers who come to this area are responsible and respect the roads and road users. Unfortunately a minority seem to think the Highway Code does not apply to them and as a result their driving behaviour can place both their lives, and other road users, at risk. A significant number of motorcycle collisions involve only one vehicle and take place on bends. Our message is simple: enjoy the routes and what they offer, but acknowledge your own ability and keep within speed limits."