Bikesafe
Bikesafe application form (PDF Format)
Safety advice for motorcyclists (PDF Format)
Road Safety Partnership receives a commendation from the Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards (PDF Format)
Information
Motorcycling has never been so popular and there is growth in all Powered Two Wheel user groups. Whether motorcycle, scooter or moped, riders are finding a new freedom and flexibility, manoeuvrability in traffic and often a new group of friends enjoying the common bond of riding bikes.
One of the drawbacks of riding on two wheels is our vulnerability. Any crash involving a bike will undoubtedly be far more severe than in a car. Each year too many riders and passengers are killed or seriously injured.
This combined with a minority who engage in bad riding gives the impression that motorcycles are anti-social and dangerous. It is a reality that a number of accidents involve single motorcycles either being ridden too fast for the conditions or beyond the skill of the rider.
In a combined effort to increase rider safety and awareness of dangers, all Scottish Police forces in conjunction with Road Safety Scotland, the Motorcycle Action Group, the British Motorcyclists Federation and Lloyds UDT-RIGP Finance are promoting a scheme called Bikesafe Scotland.
The multi-agency approach, which will involve the motorcycle industry and dealers, is to raise public awareness of motorcycling issues, including the vulnerability of riders.
Other areas to be included in the scheme are motorcycle security, thefts of motorcycles, enforcement of traffic legislation, particularly where it relates to dangerous or careless driving, riding and speeding.
Although primarily aimed at motorcyclists, all road users including pedestrians are being targeted in this initiative.
One of the most important parts of the scheme is the free Bikesafe Scotland Assessed Ride with an advanced Police motorcyclist. The scheme will involve short talks on riding skills and personal safety, and will endeavour to make you think more carefully about your own style of riding.
An Assessed Ride follows this where you will be followed by a Police rider. At the end of your assessment you will be given feedback on your general riding and pointers on subjects such as positioning and cornering.
The scheme was piloted in 1999 and proved to be a great success. In 2000 all eight Scottish Police forces took part and almost 800 riders of all ages and experience took part, with nearly all commenting positively on the skills they learned.
Northern Constabulary puts approximately 100 riders a year through the Bikesafe scheme and courses will be provided throughout the Force area.
Courses are run on a demand basis and once riders intimate their interest via email or letter (details below) they will be contacted when sufficient numbers are available to run the course.
For further information on BikeSafe schemes planned within the Northern Constabulary Force area please write to: Northern Constabulary, Road Policing Section, Burn Place, Dingwall or email: bikesafe@northern.pnn.police.uk