Reminder to ‘think bike’

Sir, – I am delighted by reports suggesting that the police are backing a new training initiative for motorcyclists (Motorcyclists offered chance to improve their riding and safety, April 26).

I wholeheartedly welcome ‘Rider Refinement North’ which was launched this week.

The number of deaths on our roads is shocking and all such safety programmes are to be applauded.

This one-day course will hopefully encourage more motorcyclists to participate in advanced training.

In the past, initiatives like BikeSafe and Operation Zenith have been well received, plus the IAM continue to focus on improving motorcyclists’ riding skills using a system called IPSGA (Information Position Speed Gear Acceleration) which is at the core of advanced riding.

However, isn’t there something missing?

Where is the further instruction and training for motorists to help prevent these fatalities?

Cases include collisions where cars have veered into the paths of experienced motorcyclists.

Let’s see initiatives that challenge how driver actions and behaviour on the road makes them more aware of motorcyclists.

As motorcyclists, we can do courses to improve our skills and awareness but, if drivers don’t ‘think bike,’ we often don’t stand a chance anyway. Brenda Mitchell. 1 Berry Street, Aberdeen.