Making our roads safe for bikers

Police Scotland has launched a campaign to ensure the safety of motorcyclists using Scotland’s roads with a weekend of action across Renfrewshire.

Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users and while they make up just one per cent of the traffic on our roads they account for around 13 per cent of fatalities.

The force said it is committed to improving road safety through targeted campaign activity to raise awareness of the risks to vulnerable road users.

Dur ing the summer months, increased focus is given to motorcycle safety as larger numbers of motorcyclists take their bikes out to take advantage of the good weather.

Road Policing Officers are urging drivers to be extra vigilant for motorcycles and ensure they give enough room when following or overtaking bikers.

Similarly, drivers are reminded to continually check for motorcycles when moving off, or emerging from junctions.

Riders, police said, also have an important role to play in ensuring their own safety by travelling at an appropriate speed for the road, weather and traffic conditions, wearing highvisibility clothing and always wearing a helmet and other appropriate attire.

In previous years, officers would hold engagement events at various locations for motorcycle riders. However, due to the current physical distancing guidelines, such large-scale events are not possible at this time.