News and Events
Around the Corner biker campaign 2009
March 15, 2009
Lothian and Borders Police launch this year’s ‘Around the Corner’ motorbike safety campaign at the Scottish Motorcycle Show, Ingliston, on Saturday 14 March.
Around the Corner is a pro-active motorbike campaign for the Scottish Borders. Police motorcyclists will be interacting with leisure bikers over the summer to provide information about the Borders roads in order to help them have a safe ride.
Working in partnership with Lothian and Borders Safety Camera Partnership, Knockhill Racing Circuit, Eastern and Western Motor Group and the Scottish Borders Council the aim of the campaign is to reduce the number of collisions and the severity of any injuries.
The 2009 campaign includes new branding, new biker routes, new road signs throughout the Borders and more ‘friends of the campaign’ stops with biker information and new pull-out route maps.
Lothian and Borders Assistant Chief Constable, Mike McCormick, will launch this year’s campaign at 1100 hours on the Knockhill stand (H45), within the main hall.
Sandy Allan, Road Safety Co-ordinator, said: “The number of bikers killed or seriously injured on our rural roads has for a number of years, been disproportionate to other road users. Around the Corner aims to engage and empathise with bikers in the Borders using our best asset, Police bikers. It’s hoped that through this interaction we can encourage safe riding and signpost individuals towards any necessary further training.
“Last season saw a considerable improvement in biker safety across the Borders. However, we can never be complacent and we will continue with our efforts to make biking safer for all bikers, whether local to the area or just passing through.
“We want to encourage bikers to enjoy the great rides that we have in the Borders, but we want them to do so safely.”
Special guest, Superbike racer, Stewart Easton, will be in attendance at the launch to answer Forum questions from bikers and will present prizes to the winners of last season’s competitions. Stewart, a native of Hawick, is riding this year for the Hydrex Honda Team in the British Superbikes.
Stewart Easton said: “I am delighted to support the Around the Corner campaign. In the Scottish Borders we have some of the most exciting and very best runs in the country but, by their very nature, they can catch out even the most experienced of riders.
“When out on the race track you are in a controlled environment and you can usually anticipate what’s up ahead but on the open road that’s not always possible and you really do have to expect the unexpected.
“By providing the resources to improve biker skills and knowledge, Around the Corner is helping to ensure that bikers can get the most out of their day out.”
Central to the campaign is the newly revamped website http://www.aroundthecorner.org.uk
The site includes a series of route maps which highlight areas where care may be required, venues for refuelling (both biker and machine), new skills tips and a Forum where bikers can ask questions and add their own comments.
The distinctive Around the Corner ‘red biker’ will be displayed at key venues across the Borders, such as garages, shops and cafes who provide facilities for bikers and are supporting the campaign.
Gemma Hobbs, Events Manager at Knockhill Racing Circuit, said: “Knockhill are delighted to support bike safety and particularly this campaign. Everything we do here is about safety and enjoyment. Around the Corner reflects this in the best possible way through their website and interaction on the road”.
Peter O’Malley, General Manager, Eastern Western Motor Group, added: “I first became aware of this campaign through my own leisure biking having found the website. I would thoroughly recommend it as a great source of information whether you’re biking in the Scottish Borders or elsewhere. We as a company have been delighted to support the campaign over the past two years.”
Colin McNeill, Partnership Manager for Lothian and Borders Safety Camera Partnership, said: “The Partnership is delighted to offer support to this initiative. It will surely help enhance rider behaviour and skills making lasting improvements to road safety across our roads.”
Chief Inspector David Milne, Road Policing Branch, said: “This initiative worked well last year and we are committed to see its continued success this year. Supporting this should make our roads safer and reduces casualties and the traumatic impacts on loved ones. “
Notes to editors:
Launched in 2007, the Around the Corner campaign is supported by Lothian and Borders Safety Camera Partnership, Eastern Western Motor Group, Scottish Borders Road Safety Working Group and Knockhill Racing Circuit.