Safety courses to be held for motorcyclists

A series of training courses for motorcyclists to help raise awareness of dangers on the road will be held in Perthshire over the next few months.

Run by Police Scotland and partner agencies, Rider Refinement North will take place in Perth on May 21, June 18, July 17, August 20, September 17, September 25 and October 15.

Led by police motorcyclists and accompanied by an observer from the Institute of Advanced Motorists, the course will look at key risk factors and provide riders with the knowledge and skills to be safer.

The course involves demonstration rides and observed rides with feedback from officers, vehicle examination checks of riders’ bikes and safety checks that should be carried out before any journey.

Inspector Greg Burns, from Police Scotland’s road policing unit, said: “Rider Refinement North is the only course of its kind being offered in Scotland and I hope that it will continue to attract riders who recognise this course as a gateway to advanced riding.

“A significant number of fatal collisions in the north area of the country involve motorcyclists.

“With great roads and scenery in Tayside, motorcyclists from both the local area and from further afield love nothing more than to get out into the countryside to enjoy riding their bikes, especially in the warmer weather.

“The police motorcyclists leading the training will promote safe riding messages and encourage riders to think about their riding style and riding behaviour. ”

The course is open to any qualified motorcyclist.

However, organisers have said that priority will be given to those living in Tayside, the north east and Highland and Islands.

The cost of the course is £40 per rider and includes lunch.

Anyone interested in attending is asked to send an email to operationriderrefinement@ scotland.police.uk for more information.

Venue details will be made available upon registration.