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Police aim to reduce biker deaths on north roads with training course

Chief inspector Stewart Mackie
Chief inspector Stewart Mackie

A scheme designed to reduce the number of biker deaths on roads across the north and north-east is being run for a second year.

There have been 42 motorcyclists killed in crashes in the north-east, Highlands and Tayside since 2014.

In 2017/18, the most recently available figures, there were 11 deaths across all three regions.

In an effort to try and increase vigilance on the roads, police introduced a new course last year.


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More than 200 bikers took part and now the course is being held again later this year.

The rider refinement north course will take place on various dates across the summer period in the north-east, Highlands and also Tayside.

Chief Inspector Stewart Mackie, of the road policing unit, said: “Last year was the first year we ran the course and saw 21 courses held between May and October in Forfar, Perth, Inverurie, Elgin and Dingwall. In total we had around 230 motorcyclists on the course.

“The feedback we received last year was overwhelmingly positive and many riders feedback to us about how it helped them and how they have changed their riding style as a result of the advice.

“Sadly a significant number fatal collisions in the north area of the country involve motorcyclists. With great roads and scenery in Tayside, Grampian and the Highland and Islands, 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.

“With the mild weather we’ve been experiencing recently, some motorcyclists have already been getting out on the roads and more will start to get out as the weather improves.

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

“Led by police motorcyclists, the one day course looks at key risk factors particular to the local area plus we do demonstration rides and filmed rides with feedback from officers afterwards.”

The cost of the course will be £40 per rider this year to cover costs and lunch and there will also be a ladies only day at the end of June in Perth.