Scottish cops target safety: Top officer says bikers are welcome but warns of enforcement if rules are broken

Scottish Police are attempting to eliminate deaths on the country’s roads, by urging motorcyclists to ride legally and sensibly or risk facing enforcement action this summer.

“We genuinely hope that we don’t have to charge anyone for motoring offences, and we hope that people will enjoy the roads responsibly,” Scotland’s Deputy Head of Road Policing Stewart Mackie told MCN. “Where people are being irresponsible and breaking the law – particularly within high collision areas – there will be enforcement.

“Not all the collisions are going to motorcyclists themselves. They’ve looked more vulnerable because motorists often don’t see them, whether it’s because they’re physically smaller, sometimes they’re carrying more speed on some occasions.”

The move comes as part of an annual safety campaign running from April to September, which also includes the offer of additional training to riders.

“Quite a number of our road policing officers are motorcyclists themselves,” Mackie continued. “They enjoy using bikes and they enjoy riding, so they enjoy engaging with other motorcyclists.”

He added: “We’re quite fortunate in the Scotland with some of the most beautiful roads [in the UK] and we’re keen to see people making use of those roads, but we want them to do that safely and responsibly.”

Police data shows that 455 motorcyclists were involved in serious collisions in Scotland during 2021. What’s more, 27 riders were killed across 2022 and 2023, with 22 of those deaths occurring during last year’s campaign months.

“On a number of key routes, particularly at the weekends, you’ll see marked police cars, marked police motorcycles, unmarked police cars and this year unmarked motorcycles as well,” he explained. “There will also be safety camera unit vans on patrol.”

Mackie has been riding bikes since 1997 and welcomes riders to Scotland’s often picturesque tarmac, however he says patrols will be out to ensure people stay on the right side of the law.

The superintendent continued: “It’s a two-fold process that’s also highlighting to other road users that motorcyclists are using the roads… We try to put some messaging out to promote that on motorcycle routes where we see quite a lot of collisions.

“It’s about engaging with motorcyclists as well. Many riders ride all year round, but there are quite a lot who take their bikes out again in the in the spring and summer period and they’ve been off their motorcycle for a while.”

On top of patrols, Police Scotland will also be offering their one-day Rider Refinement North programme, which is run by serving riders and supported by observers from IAM RoadSmart.

Usually taking place from April through to October in the north of the country, it gives riders a practical lesson in road safety. The plan is to now extend it to some dates in the east and west of the country too.

“We give them a short theoretical input and then the rest of the day they’re out riding… giving them tips and advice on better and safer riding,” Mackie added.

“It’s about us being visible on the road and trying to prevent those accidents, those collisions taking place in the first place, and trying to encourage riders to take advanced riding lessons or engage in advanced riding courses to improve their performance.”