Riders in Scotland urged to sign up to new events promoting motorcycle safety

• More than 40 Rider Refinement events will take place across East, West and Northern Scotland throughout the spring and summer.
• Additional Skills Day session earmarked at Knockhill circuit.
• More than 260 people have been killed over a nine-year period in a motorcycle-related collision.

Motorcyclists in Scotland will benefit from a range of events throughout the Spring and Summer with the return of Rider Refinement and an IAM RoadSmart Skills Day at Knockhill circuit.

The events, partly funded through Transport Scotland, will give riders the chance to refresh and renew their riding skills as the summer season begins.

The Skills Day event on 30^thApril at Knockhill gives riders the chance to use their own motorcycle to learn practical skills and techniques that can be transferred to the road. They will also take part in a hands-on motorcycle care session, covering essential checks such as electrics, oil, tyres, suspension, and chains. They will also receive immediate roadside lifesaving first-aid training from a medical professional.

In addition, motorcyclists of all levels can sign up to Rider Refinement. It’s the only course of its kind in Scotland that enhances basic riding skills. By joining one of these sessions, riders can gain confidence, learn new skills and cover essential examination checks on their own bike to make journeys smoother and stress free.

A report from Police Scotland and Transport Scotland revealed that 269 people were killed in motorcycle-related collisions over a nine-year period.[i] The study looked at fatalities involving 253 riders and 16 passengers between January 2015 and August 2024. Motorcyclists and passengers accounted for 18% of all road fatalities during that time. Per billion miles travelled, riders are considered the most at risk of all road users.

IAM RoadSmart Road Safety Manager for Scotland Stewart Mackie said: “These figures highlight just how vulnerable motorcyclists are on Scotland’s roads, despite making up a very small proportion of overall traffic. Too many lives have been lost, particularly in rural areas, and that’s why opportunities like Rider Refinement and Skills Days are so important. By giving riders, the chance to refresh and renew their skills in a controlled environment, we can help improve confidence, reduce risk and support safer riding on public roads. We are pleased to be working with the Scottish Government to deliver potentially life-saving skills training.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Scotland Fiona Hyslop MSP said: “Road safety is a top priority for the Scottish Government, and we remain fully committed to our goal of making Scotland’s roads the safest in the world by 2030.

“Motorcyclists are a group we particularly want to focus on as, despite only making up 1% of traffic, they accounted for 19% of road fatalities in 2024. Rider refinement events provide motorcyclists with a great opportunity to work on their skills and knowledge, as well as ensuring both they and their vehicles are ready for the riding season ahead.

“This is the first track-based event of its kind in Scotland, backed by road safety funding from the Scottish Government, so I’d encourage riders to sign up and get training from experts at the country’s most famous motorsports venue. “

To book your place for Knockhill click here

To book a Rider Refinement course click here

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Notes to editors