Bikers from Evolution Women’s Motorcycle Club rolled out the red carpet and declared ‘Action!’ on the latest film from motorcycle safety campaign Live Fast Die Old, by The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland.
Part of the campaign’s Breathtaking Roads series, the stunning new film highlights the thrill of riding while also reminding motorcyclists to enjoy Scotland’s roads safely.
Shot on the scenic Isle of Skye, the short film uses striking slo-mo footage to highlight the importance of considering the entire picture and every potential hazard before making the decision to overtake. It urges motorcyclists exploring Scotland’s roads to ‘take your time to take it all in’.
Despite accounting for less than 1% of all road traffic in Scotland motorcyclists are over represented in reported casualties. In 2020, there were 418 reported motorcyclist casualties on Scotland’s roads. Of these, 16 were fatalities (17% of all road deaths) and 242 resulted in serious injury.1
Loss of control is the most commonly reported contributory factor for motorcyclists, involved in 19% of all accidents. Bends and overtaking continue to be among the riskiest manoeuvres, with bends being a factor in 22% of all reported injury accidents, and overtaking in 10%.
Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth, said: “We’re seeing lots of bikers on the roads with many taking advantage of the longer days and enjoying the incredible scenery Scotland has to offer.
“The Live Fast Die Old campaign celebrates biking, but we know motorcyclists face significant risks on our roads and we want to ensure they practise safe riding habits – especially when overtaking and going round bends which can be particularly risky manoeuvres.
“I’d urge any motorcyclists exploring Scotland’s breathtaking roads this season to take their time, adjust their speed and consider their surroundings before overtaking. Enjoy the ride – but get home in one piece.”
The new film coincides with Police Scotland’s motorcycle safety campaign.
Fellow biker and deputy head of road policing, Superintendent Stewart Mackie, said: “We speak to bikers and other road users all year round but as the better weather arrives, there is a real focus on motorbike safety and educating all drivers.
“Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than other road users. My plea to other riders is a straightforward one – get home safe.
“I have bitter experience of attending fatal collisions over the years and we must all be cautious on bends, especially left hand bends and think twice before every single overtake.
“I understand the pleasure of being on a bike and exploring Scotland but there’s nothing more important than returning home to your loved ones safe and well.”
Previous films in the Breathtaking Roads series were popular with Scotland’s biking community and showcased stunning routes in coastal, forest and mountain regions of Scotland, while focusing on key manoeuvres such as overtaking, cornering and riding as a group.
Scottish biker Jayne Tollan, Chairwoman of Evolution Women’s Motorcycle Club, said: “We’re really excited to support the launch of the new Live Fast Die Old film and get behind its main message.
“As bikers we can be vulnerable on the road, especially when we’re overtaking, so it’s important we remember to take our time and take in everything that’s happening around us before making the move.
“We all love riding in Scotland – so let’s do it safely.”
The campaign will run across social media and digital channels, with posters displayed at key locations targeting motorcyclists across Scotland, including dealers, petrol stations, garages and cafes along Scotland’s most popular biker routes.
The dedicated Live Fast Die Old website and Facebook page offer rich and engaging content for motorcyclists, with films and blogs from Scottish bikers sharing their first-hand experience and tips with peers, as well as route inspiration and best practice advice.
The Live Fast Die Old campaign is looking for bikers across Scotland to get involved by sharing their experience, advice, top routes and ride-out tips with other bikers. If you’d like to be part of the campaign, follow Live Fast Die Old on Facebook or get in touch at roadsafety@smarts.agency.
To watch the latest Breathtaking Roads film and join the conversation, visit the Live Fast Die Old website (livefastdieold.scot) / or Facebook page facebook.com/livefastdieoldscotland.