Scotland’s bike safety drive
Positive video campaign could stave-off a speeding crackdown
The Scottish government have launched a safe riding campaign in a bid to reduce biker fatalities. A series of short films showcasing Scotland’s best roads and encouraging good riding practice have been produced in an attempt to get bikers to think about reducing the risks they’re taking. Over the last three years 87 motorcyclists have been killed and 851 seriously injured and half of these happened on weekend rides indicating that these were most likely leisure riders, rather than commuters. The first video features part of Ardnamurchan Loop, one of the county’s top coastal rides, running from Glenuig to Lochailort. The film highlights potential dangers and ends with the slightly chilling message: “Be aware on breathtaking roads. Don’t let them take your breath away for good.” Running alongside the video series is an equally good-humoured, but nonetheless serious, Facebook campaign under the ‘Live Fast, Die Old’ slogan and a website highlighting the best parts of the routes and the potential dangers.
The campaign has the backing of Police Scotland and there will also be a poster series highlighting top-risk areas for bikers. “We understand the thrill of biking, but we want to keep bikers safe, especially when overtaking, negotiating bends and approaching junctions,” said Inspector Ian Paul, who leads Police Scotland’s motorcycle unit. While this could be seen as a soft approach to reducing accidents, we should welcome the warning shot, because if there is no tangible decrease in the negative statistics there could be more stringent police enforcement on popular routes. Scotland’s Transport Minster Humza Yousaf said: “As a biker myself I love the thrill of riding, but I’m also acutely aware that motorcycling makes up less than 1% of Scottish traffic but makes up 20% of fatalities.”
‘We understand the thrill, but want to keep bikers safe’ INSPECTOR IAN PAUL, POLICE SCOTLAND