A NEW road safety initiative to encourage motorcyclists in the Borders to improve their riding is being launched in Galashiels.

Galashiels Fire Station is hosting the open day this Saturday, from 10am to 3pm, and will provide expert advice on motorcycling techniques, as well as offer 20 free places on the Institute of Advanced Motorists advanced training course to local riders.

The course - entitled Skill for Life - encourages bikers to sharpen their skills through five phases of advanced riding - information, position, speed, gear and acceleration. It also encourages riders to feel confident on the road and get greater enjoyment from the experience.

The event will also allow bikers to take a free 30 minute assessment ride which is ideal for preparing for the start of the summer season of motorbiking.

The new initiative is a partnership between Scottish Borders Council (SBC), IAM and the Borders Group of Advanced Motorcyclists and will run throughout the peak riding season this spring and summer, which historically sees an increase in the number of motorcyclists killed and seriously injured.

In the Borders, motorcyclists make up just one per cent of the traffic, yet recent research has shown they accounted for more than 20 per cent of deaths and serious injuries on the region’s roads.

Councillor Donald Moffat, Executive Member for Community Safety at SBC, said: “Reducing the number of bikers killed on our roads is a key priority for Scottish Borders Council and its partners. This initiative urges bikers to take advanced rider training as part of the Skill for Life course.

“Any initiative that has the potential to reduce the number of tragedies on our roads involving motorcyclists and helps to save lives is worth promoting.”