Recommendations - Safe Road Use

The following recommendations have been identified through analysis and are presented for consideration:

Education and Awareness

Motorcyclists – General

Develop or continue to run campaigns on motorcycle safety

Recommendation 1
  • Targeted campaigns should continue to be aware of seasonal differences for motorcyclist fatalities.
  • Police Scotland’s Motorcycle Safety Campaign in 2024 ran from April to September, the findings of this report support this time period for future similar campaigns.
  • Consideration could be given to tailored winter campaigns, in relation to riding motorcycles in poorer winter conditions.

Consider young male riders when developing any messaging and campaigns for motorcyclists

Recommendation 2
  • Campaigns highlighting the importance of motorcycle helmet use could be developed and targeted at younger male riders.
  • Engagement with schools, colleges, motorcycle events and motorcycle training schools - reinforce the importance of helmets and appropriate safety clothing, targeting younger males specifically.

Consider ways to reduce or manage speed for motorcyclists

Recommendation 3
  • Improved training and education are required for motorcycle riders in addition to speed management measures, including speed limit reductions and the addition of Intelligent Speed Assistance systems, to address riding style and behaviour.

Motorcyclists - Foreign Drivers

Develop foreign driver/rider materials and distribute at relevant locations

Recommendation 4
  • Posters/display materials could be developed and displayed in various establishments on the A82, A85 and North Coast 500 route.
  • Materials should reinforce the requirement to drive/ride on the left and provide an overview of common road layouts and driving practices including giving way when joining traffic and the direction of travel of other vehicles.
Recommendation 5
  • Transport Scotland and other relevant partners could work in partnership with motorcycle rental companies to develop materials that can be disseminated to foreign drivers on obtaining a hire vehicle.
  • Hire companies should also have such materials available on their websites for foreign drivers when booking online.
  • Road Safety Scotland has a wealth of materials available in various languages that could be utilised (e.g. German, Dutch).
Recommendation 6
  • Transport Scotland to work in partnership with major UK airports and ferry ports (e.g. Newcastle) to display materials aimed at foreign drivers.
  • Materials should reinforce the requirement to drive on the left and provide an overview of common road layouts and driving practices, including giving way when joining traffic, and the direction of travel of other vehicles.
  • Materials should also be available on ferries servicing many of Scotland’s islands which are popular with tourists, including Caledonian MacBrayne and Northlink Ferries.

Use technology to inform

Recommendation 7
  • Road Safety Scotland has developed a video for foreign drivers prior to them travelling to the UK. The dissemination of this video should be supported by Transport Scotland and Police Scotland and further utilised where appropriate.

Action

Motorcyclists - General

Community Engagement – Safety Initiatives

Recommendation 8
  • Police Scotland should collaborate with motorcycle clubs and venues such as Knockhill Racing Circuit to develop roadshows and/or drop-in points where motorcycle helmets can be checked by a knowledgeable expert, ensuring they are correctly fitted and that riders are aware how to secure them correctly.
  • Raise awareness of the importance of increasing visibility of both motorcycles and riders/passengers. Using headlights during the day can alert other drivers to their presence on the road. Additionally, motorcyclists wearing high visibility clothing at all times of the day or night will increase other drivers' awareness and improve safety.
  • Continue to develop and deliver the ‘Rider Refinement’ programme across Scotland, which will enhance the motorcyclist’s awareness of risks on the road and develop safer riding techniques.

Motorcyclists - Foreign Drivers

Road Safety Messaging – Foreign Drivers

Recommendation 9
  • Liaison with ferry ports and airports to develop and display materials aimed at tourists travelling to Scotland with relevant road safety messaging.
Recommendation 10
  • Vehicle familiarisation inputs should be available for all foreign drivers obtaining hire motorcycles to ensure they are accustomed to all vehicle controls. These should be facilitated by motorcycle hire companies.

Motorcyclist – Reporting Application

Reporting Application

Recommendation 11
  • Develop application/reporting tool, where motorcycle riders can raise concerns and suggestions. For example, if riders observe hazards specific to motorcyclists as part of their journey (e.g. slippery tarmac), this could be logged; or suggestions for appropriate barriers to be installed at particularly difficult corners (where they believe riders could possibly leave carriageway) could also be logged. Dashcam footage could be uploaded as evidence, for the road to be reviewed and action taken by appropriate partner.
  • ‘Near misses’ could also be logged on the application.

Motorcyclists – Racetrack practice days

Motorcycle Rider Practice Days

Recommendation 12
  • In partnership with Scottish racetracks, allow riders to book time slots at the beginning of motorcycle season (spring/summer), to allow them a safe place to get comfortable with their motorbike again
  • This could also be used as an opportunity to those riders who have purchased a new motorcycle (or more powerful motorcycle) to get comfortable with the vehicle.

Motorcyclists – English Motorcycle Riders

Road Safety Messaging – English Motorcycle Riders

Recommendation 13
  • Engage with English motorcycle groups/clubs – re-iterate the importance of looking properly whilst carrying out manoeuvres and making themselves as visible as possible when travelling on Scotland’s road network.

Motorcyclists – Alcohol/Controlled Drugs

Vehicle Safety, Drink and Drug Testing

Recommendation 14
  • Increased policing patrols by Police Scotland officers to undertake roadside stops, breath tests and drug wipes.

Legislation

Motorcyclists - General

Education

Recommendation 15
  • Road Safety education could be included in the Curriculum for Excellence to ensure that high quality road safety information is shared at the earliest stages, with a particular focus placed on the risk of vulnerable road users.

Rider Standards – Motorcyclists

Recommendation 16
  • Working in conjunction with the Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency and DVLA, the potential impact of the introduction of a minimum period of learning and a requirement to demonstrate experience in different driving conditions via logbooks could be considered.

Purchasing Motorcycles

Recommendation 17
  • Working in conjunction with motorcycle retailers, introduce a mandatory demonstration of the motorcycle as part of the purchase agreement. This will assist riders to be more familiar with the operation and safety features of the motorcycle

Motorcyclists – Younger Drivers

Restrictions – Young Drivers

Recommendation 18
  • Due to the number of younger motorcycle rider fatalities, consideration should be given to a Graduated Driver Licensing system that could place restrictions on riding times, pillion passengers, specified routes/roads and engine size.