Biker Deaths Prompt Police Safety Campaign
Police Scotland is asking road users to help play their part in reducing motorcycle deaths, after a report showed 269 motorcycle fatalities in a nine-year period
A safety campaign has been launched by Police Scotland and Transport Scotland, following a report highlighting 269 motorcycle deaths in nine years.
The analysis carried out by the police and transport departments found that 253 riders had passed away between January 2015 and August 2024 due to crashes, as well as 16 passengers.
The figures mean that 18 per cent of all fatalities during that time period involved a motorcycle rider or passenger, despite motorcycles accounting for less than 1 per cent of all traffic in Scotland.
As a result, Police Scotland and Transport Scotland have launched a safety campaign while also asking road users to play their part in helping reduce the number of motorcycle deaths by being more considerate of vulnerable road users. It’s also asking bikers to take better action against riding in a manner that endangers them and other road users.
The report also found that the highest number of motorcycle fatalities took place in the Highlands local authority area, which ranked ahead of Argyll and Bute, then the Scottish Borders. The age range for most of the deaths was between 46-55, while most of them were men.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, head of Road Policing, said: “We don’t want motorcyclists to die on Scotland’s roads. The reality is people are dying and we need people to take action.
“Motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable road users. Cornering left hand bends and overtaking are the most common collision types. I’m asking bikers to be aware of these risks, take extra care in these situations and share this information. For other drivers, you are more likely to see a motorcyclist on the road from now until autumn so take an extra look for them, especially in rural areas on a weekend.
“Losing control of your bike or failing to look properly can happen in a split second. We are running Rider Refinement classes with a road safety charity and doing targeted patrols, speaking with all road users. But we need your help to change behaviours. Take responsibility and take care of each other on the road.”
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