Renewed drive to reduce motorcycle deaths in the Scottish Borders
Last updated 20th Mar 2025
Police Scotland is calling on all road users to play their part in reducing motorcyclist deaths.
It follows another fatal crash on the A68 at Earlston yesterday (Wednesday), which claimed the life of a 70-year-old man.
A new 50 mile per hour speed limit is set to be trialled on four roads in the Borders from next month, as part of a drive to make them safer.
The 18-month pilot will see 60mph limits reduced on the A708 between Moffat and Selkirk, A7 north of Galashiels, B6357 from the Carter Bar, and the A6088 between Kielder and Bonchester Bridge.
Fraser Brydon is from the Borders Group of Advanced Motorists. He told Greatest Hits Radio: "There's no evidence yet to say it's going to make a difference - it may, it may not. It depends on those who obey it, and evidence says a lot don't because sadly, for whatever reason, there's no real enforcement.
"Anything that's going to reduce casualties I'm all in favour of it.
"But you'll get those who'll become frustrated with it, they'll try to overtake at silly places and that causes the accidents."
WATCH: Click here to listen to more of Fraser's interview...
The Borders Group of Advanced Motorcyclists (BGAM) will put riders skills to the test at their annual open day at Galashiels Fire Station on Saturday, April 12th, from 10am to 3pm.
It comes as new figures reveal 253 bike riders and 16 of their passengers died in crashes between January 2015 and August 2024.
READ MORE: Motorcyclist pleads guilty to charge of dangerous driving following incident on A7
Police Scotland has revealed it is running Rider Refinement classes with a road safety charity.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, head of Road Policing, said: “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.
“Take responsibility and take care of each other on the road.”
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/