MOTORCYCLISTS are to be provided with useful information by police on the web, as part of a campaign to reduce bike casualties on Scottish roads.
After a trial scheme in the Borders, which saw the numbers of fatalities and injury reduced, the Around the Corner Campaign is being rolled out nationwide with the backing of the Association of Chief Police Officers of Scotland (ACPOS).
ACPOS lead for casualty reduction, Chief Superintendent Charlie Common from Lothian and Borders Police said “I commend this initiative and the opportunity it gives for closer co-operation between motor cyclists and Police Forces up and down the country.
“Providing vital up to date information from a reliable source will allow motorcyclists to not only keep safe on the roads, but also to have an enjoyable biking experience.’
Riders can access weekly updates including motoring advice, weather, road conditions and maps on the campaign website.
In addition, officers will be meeting bikers at cafes and familiar stops to promote better riding and give safety guidance.
Despite a fall of 38% in the number of people killed or injured in the last ten years on the roads, biking casualties have reduced by just 0.6%.Motorbike riders are 50 times more likely to be killed or injured than a car driver.
Analysis of collisions found that males aged between 36 and 55 riding larger capacity bikes on country roads are at particular risk of having an accident.
Steve Allen, DeputyChief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police, said “By introducing the first national motorcycle casualty reduction campaign in Scotland, we are keen to encourage bikers who visit Scotland to keep themselves safe.
‘As a keen motorcyclist myself I know the importance or reading a road and identifying hazards.
‘If I can visit a web site or speak directly to someone who knows the local roads, all the better.’
Motorbike users can visit the website at www.aroundthecorner.org.uk
