Police Scotland remains determined to engage and help riders, of all experience, to become better and safer motorcyclists. In order to promote safer motorcycling, Dumfries and Galloway Division will be hosting an Open Day event at Lockerbie Police Station on Saturday 20th September 2014 between 10am to 4pm. It is aimed primarily at motorcyclists, although all road users are welcome.
“Often the police are seen as simply being the enforcement arm of road safety but it is important to understand that Police Scotland also work closely with many partners to educate people about road safety, help to find solutions to road safety problems and offer encouragement to all road users through local and national campaigns, all of which aim to deliver long term road safety solutions” explains Sergeant Peter Forsyth of the Roads Policing Unit. “More and more people are using motorcycles for travel and recreation. Unfortunately, this increased usage is also reflected in a rise in the number of motorcyclist casualties in Scotland. In terms of the number of casualties, motorcyclists come third after car occupants and pedestrians, but they are proportionately more at risk of being killed or seriously injured in a road crash than any other type of road user. Police Scotland want to reverse the trend in motorcycle fatalities. We want to ensure safe riding through education and training of both motorcyclists and drivers of other vehicles. We want to find ways to decrease the risks and risk taking without inhibiting the enjoyment of riding.
“The open day is about bringing motorcyclists together with a host of experts who can give advice and explain how riders can stay safe on our roads. Observers and examiners from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (I.A.M.) will be presents alongside trained police motorcyclists and collision investigation officers. A number of displays will be available providing information and assistance in all aspects of road safety. As part of the day, I.A.M Motorcycle Observers are offering a free half hour road assessed ride on your own bike. It is not a test, just a relaxed session with an observer and will help remind you of good riding procedure, identify any bad habits and give you a reassured feeling of confidence on increasingly busy roads. Places are restricted and will be offered on a first come first served basis. Anyone wanting this assessed ride should contact Constable John Irving, Lockerbie Trunk Road Policing Group on the police non emergency telephone number 101.”
