Motorcyclists offered chance to improve their riding and safety

A training scheme to reduce the number of collisions involving motorcyclists has been launched across the north of Scotland.

The Rider Refinement North one-day course, part-funded by Transport Scotland’s Road Safety Framework Fund, will be led by qualified police motorcyclists and takes place on various dates across the summer in Tayside.

Road policing chief inspector Stewart Mackie said: “Across Tayside, Grampian and Highland and Islands we benefit from some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, which attracts motorcyclists both near and far to visit our area and enjoy riding their bikes.

“However, it is both a sad and shocking fact that a significant number of fatal collisions in the north area of the country involve motorcyclists.

“We want to not only promote safe riding messages but also encourage riders to think about their riding style and behaviour and take advantage of the expert tuition and advice we will be providing on our course.

“Led by police motorcyclists, the course will look at key risk factors particular to the local area, plus there will be demonstration rides and filmed rides with feedback from the officers afterwards.

“This is the only course of its kind in Scotland and I hope it will influence the behaviour of those who attend and help them to become safer riders.”

The course costs £30 and runs in Forfar on May 12 and 13 and June 3 and in Perth on June 10, July 28 and 29 and August 12.

Anyone interested in taking part in the course should email operationriderrefinement@scotland.pnn.police.uk