Lothian and Borders Police’s motorcycle safety campaign has been awarded a prestigious Force Excellence Award.
Since the campaign started motorcycle fatalities in the Scottish Borders have fallen by fifty percent.
Using the Force’s best asset; the advanced trained police motorcyclists designed the campaign for bikers riding in the Scottish Borders.
The campaign concentrates on interacting with bikers to encourage safe riding and further training. The police motorcyclists are out at weekends talking to fellow bikers and are only too willing to share their expert biking knowledge.
To accompany the campaign great riding routes were developed, and maps created. These can be downloaded from the dedicated website. The site is full of useful tips and information on weather, road conditions and the forum is an ideal place to ask experienced bikers a question.
Working with the local council new signage was erected to inform bikers of bends where more attention is required. The signs also made motorists more aware that they were likely to encounter a biker on the road.
Lothian and Borders Police Road Safety Co-ordinator, Sandy Allan said:
“The recognition that Around the Corner has now received shows that this campaign has really made a difference. Bikers in the Borders now visit the website before going on runs and look forward to meeting up with the professionals where they can learn new skills.
“Another indicator of the campaign’s success is the interest that has been shown by other regions across the country and I’m looking forward to next year’s season where we can develop Around the Corner further.”