POLICE Scotland is planning to hold training courses for motorcyclists to help them ride responsibly and reduce the number of collisions.

Rider Refinement East is a one-day course that will take place during August in Lothian & Borders.

Rider Refinement was first established in the North region and was the only course of its kind in Scotland, following excellent feedback the initiative is now being adapted by East road safety partners.

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The course aims to raise awareness of the importance of road safety and make riders think of the personal consequences of taking risks.

Led by police motorcyclists and accompanied by an observer from the Institute of Advance Motorists, the course will look at key risk factors and provide riders with the knowledge and skills to be safer.

The course involves demonstration rides and observed rides with feedback from officers, vehicle examination checks of riders’ bikes and safety checks that should be carried out before any journey.

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Previous courses received positive feedback from riders who changed their riding style and improved their skills as a result of attending Rider Refinement.

Chief Inspector Gibb from Road Policing said: “Rider Refinement has been running successfully in the North of Scotland for some time and provides a great opportunity for riders to build on their skills. 

“We are now able to provide this training in the East of Scotland and hope that it will attract riders who will recognise this course as a gateway to advanced riding.

“A significant number of fatal and serious injury collisions in the East of Scotland area involve motorcyclists. 

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“The area has many scenic routes and motorcyclists from both the local area and from further afield enjoy riding their bikes through this beautiful countryside, especially in the warmer weather.

“The police motorcyclists leading the training will promote safe riding messages and encourage riders to think about their riding style and riding behaviour.

“We want participants to take advantage of the expert tuition and advice we will be providing.”

Joining forces with police on this initiative are Road Safety Scotland, Institute of Advance Motorists, Scottish Fire and Rescue and RoSPA.

The cost of the course is £35 per rider. The course will stop at a suitable location for the attendees to refresh, but will not provide lunch.

Spaces are limited, so providing more than one date for attendance will increase your chances of being able to participate.

Anyone interested in attending the course can email us OperationRiderRefinementEast@scotland.police.uk

The course is open to any qualified motorcyclist, however priority will be given to those living in Lothians and Scottish Borders

The dates the course will be running are: North Berwick – Sunday, August 6, and Saturday, August 26.