A motorcyclist course that gives tips on better riding is now available across the country.
Police Scotland, along with road safety partners, are holding courses to help motorcyclists as part of a holistic approach which also includes educating other drivers to reduce the number of collisions.
Motorcyclist deaths are up 80 per cent (18) this year compared to the same period last year (10).
Rider Refinement East and West is a one-day course, with eight sessions between August 2024 and October 2024 in Glenrothes and Glasgow.
Led by police motorcyclists and accompanied by an observer from the Institute of Advance Motorists, the course will look at key risk factors and provide riders with the knowledge and skills to be safer.
The course involves demonstration rides, observed rides with feedback from officers, vehicle examination checks of riders’ bikes and safety checks that should be carried out before any journey.
Previous courses received positive feedback from riders who changed their riding style and improved their skills as a result of attending Rider Refinement.
Inspector Ally Johnson, head of Police Scotland’s Motorcycle Unit, said: “The course is about engaging with motorcyclists and helping them make better decisions to improve their riding.
“This isn’t about taking the fun out of riding a bike. The course is run by motorcyclists, for motorcyclists.
“On a daily basis we also speak to other road users and highlight campaigns to encourage drivers to look out for motorcyclists, especially at corners and junctions.
“The harsh reality is people are dying on Scotland’s roads and we need everyone to play their part to help us improve road safety.
“I would encourage people to come along, speak to us and try the course for yourself.”
The course is open to any qualified motorcyclist who hold a full cat A or A2 licence; however, priority will be given to those living in central belt of Scotland.
Police Scotland would like to specifically thank Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre and Motorcycle Law Scotland for their continued support with Rider Refinement East and West.
Rider Refinement originally started in the north in 2018, before extending to the East in 2023 and is now rolled out to the West in 2024.
The cost of the course is £40 per rider and includes lunch. Spaces are limited, so providing more than one date for attendance will increase your chances of being able to participate.
Anyone interested in attending the course can email:
operationriderrefinementeast@scotland.police.uk for courses in Glenrothes, or operationriderrefinementwest@scotland.police.uk for courses in the Glasgow area.
The dates the course will be running are:
East, Glenrothes Police Station
Saturday 17th August
Saturday 28th September
Sunday 20th October
West, Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre in Linwood
Sunday 11th August
Monday 2nd September
Sunday 15th September
Saturday 5th October
Thursday 17th October
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