Scotland's annual Motorcycle Safety Campaign launched

Police Scotland and Transport Minister Humza Yousaf teamed up today to help keep riders safe

Published 24th Mar 2017
Last updated 24th Mar 2017

As the sunny weather approached Police Scotland and Transport Minister Humza Yousaf have teamed up to launch their annual Motorcycle Safety Campaign.

The launch took place at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow this morning, and the campaign is set to run until autumn.

As part of the campaign Police Scotland will run seven special 'weekends of action', with the first beginning this weekend when Road Policing officers will be out on the roads, engaging with road users and encouraging motorcyclists to stay safe.

One of the main aims is to ensure that motorcycle users thoroughly check their machines have been properly maintained over the winter months and are fit for use - with MoT and insurance cover in place.

Chief Superintendent Andy Edmonston, Head of Road Policing at Police Scotland , said, "The campaign aims to seek the assistance of motorcyclists really who may be taking their machines out for the first time or even those who use there motorcycles all year round.

"Just think about your own safety, both in terms of the mechanical safety of the machine, but also in the way you ride".

Humza Yousaf, who supported the launch, is a bike user himself and he examined Police Scotland's new 'camera bike'. The vehicle has all the functionality of a safety camera van, but with the technology packed into a highly-manoeverable motorcycle.

He has advice for his fellow bike riders, "Be careful of the road conditions, observe the speed limit - but enjoy yourself.

"Biking is a great activity and anybody who is a motorcycle rider will know the thrill and the enjoyment you get or riding a motorcycle; but do it in a safe environment".