Recommendations - Safe Vehicles

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

Education and Awareness

Police Scotland could consider a ‘get ready for motorcycle season’ campaign, encouraging motorcycle riders to ensure that their motorcycles are roadworthy and prepared for the season ahead.

Increased roadside stops by Police Scotland Roads Policing officers to check tyre conditions of motorcycles to ensure safety and provide guidance where required.

The Scottish Government should consider the development of a pilot scheme similar to the Mobility and Scrappage Fund with a road safety focus on removing older and potentially less-safe motorcycles from the roads.

Inclusion of tyre and motorcycle maintenance training as mandatory for learner drivers should be considered. An understanding of the importance of ensuring a motorcycle is roadworthy alongside practical training on practices such as checking and altering tyre pressure may have a positive impact. This could also form part of a theoretical and practical driving test.
Consideration to be given to the number of times a motorcycle rider is permitted to sit (and pass) their compulsory basic training without going on to obtain a motorcycle licence.