Activity day
April 04 2007
Following on closely from the launch of the "What’s Around the Corner Campaign" by John Reynolds at the Scottish Motorcycle Show at Ingliston. Lothian and Borders Roads Policing Branch, Road Safety Branch and Safety Camera Partnership will be having its first activity day.
The focus of the day will be to provide information to bikers about the Borders roads to help them have a safe ride. Two routes especially have been identified, The Reviers Run on the A7 and The 7s Trail on the A708. The routes can be downloaded from the campaign website http://www.aroundthecorner.org.uk and they show where the dangers are and where crashes have occurred in the past.
Chief Inspector Sandy Allan of Road Policing said:
“Easter Sunday sees the operational launch of our summer bike initative in the Scottish Borders. Despite there being far fewer bikers on the Borders Roads than cars there is a greater chance that a biker will be killed or seriously injured this summer based on previous statistics. The that end we have looked at areas where previous incidents have occurred and created two biking routes. These routes feature especially created maps which can be found on our website. We want bikers to come to the Borders this summer, enjoy the roads and scenery but return home safely.
Our route maps highlight specific bends and other hazards which, in the past, caught bikers out. In association with Borders Council, we have arranged for specific signage to be placed at strategic points to give additional warning to all.
The whole campaign is designed to inform and educate the bikers who visit the area, to improve their riding skills and road craft. Our police bikers, Road Safety Staff and Safety Camera Team will be available most weekends somewhere on these routes throughout the summer. The campaign is not about enforcement, the emphasis will be on keeping bikers safe through interaction and education.
This Sunday we will be at the Glen Café, St Mary’s Loch giving out our maps and other goodies whilst taking the opportunity to talk to bikers.
Our message is simple; Enjoy what the Borders have to offer but recognise your own ability and read the road. Think about our slogan Do you know what’s around the corner - keep this in mind and stay safe”
