Greetings,
as you may be aware, during 2010 we launched the first year of Operation Zenith, a motorcycle safety campaign for the North East.
Those involved were Road Safety Grampian, the association of motorcycle dealers for the North East of Scotland, Moray, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire Councils, Bear (Scotland), the North East Camera Safety Partnership and Aberdeenshire Community Safety Partnership.
As a group there was a joint recognition of the vulnerability of motorcyclists and the need to combine forces in a bid to reduce the numbers being killed and seriously injured on our roads.
Zenith is set to be a five year initiative, and in our first year we have seen a 22% reduction in motorcycle injury collisions. We also spoke to more than 4000 bikers in the course of the year promoting road safety and improved rider skills as key ways to reduce becoming a statistic.
We didn't expect to get it right first time, and we've taken onboard some of the feedback you've given us during the course of 2010, and this year will be seeking to raise the awareness of bikers and non bikers alike. You can help in this by following the link below and printing off a Think Bike Poster, put it up at your place of work or somewhere else where you think it will be seen and make a difference. THINK BIKER
We would like to thank all who took the time to fill in the Operation Zenith survey. Those who did had their names entered into a draw to win a free Bikesafe day. The lucky winner has been notified.
This years Zenith starts on 3rd April 2011 at the Queens Links, Aberdeen where we are combining with Aberdeenshire MAG (Motorcycle Action Group) to launch the start of the season and to promote and escort the annual 'Egg Run' to Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital. The event starts at 11 am so come along and have a chat to us, the other emergency services, riding schools, clubs and bike and clothing dealers who will also be there.
As the winter retreats, Bear (Scotland), Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray Councils have again committed to focusing their maintenance work with motorcyclists in mind on the three routes we identified last year. This year they are joined by Perth and Kinross Council who will carry out similar works in their area.
You can do your bit here by reporting faults and pot holes at the following links;
Aberdeen City Council
Aberdeenshire Council
Moray Council
Perth & Kinross
Grampian Police will be carrying out high visibility patrols and 'ride outs' as the season progresses, using this years sponsored motorcycle donated by Ecosse Motorcycles. During the 'ride outs' last year we spoke to bikers in a bid to raise their awareness about safety and encouraged them to take part in further motorcycle training. We were really pleased with the feedback and to see a significant increase in the number of motorcyclists attending Bikesafe, completing the Institute of Advanced Motorists 'Skills for Life' motorcycle training courses or undertaking local further training under the supervision of one of the many training providers in the area.
Further training undoubtedly makes you a better and safer rider, but it will also increase the enjoyment you get from biking. Grampian Police are to continue with the national Bikesafe scheme and will be running workshops throughout 2011. Full details, along with the dates they are to run are on the Grampian Police website and displayed in motorcycle clothing and dealers shops throughout the area.
Historically, September sees a significant increase in the number of motorcycle collisions within the Grampian area. With this in mind we organised a motorcycle open day 'Safer September' which was held at Woodhill House, Aberdeen. This gave motorcyclists the chance to come along and speak to the emergency services, bike and clothing dealers, bike trainers and also test their riding skills on the manoeuvrability course that was set up. About 350 riders turned up and the day was a great success, and last September saw the lowest injury collision recording for the last five years. We'll be holding a similar event on 21st August this year, so put this date in your diary now and come along and see us.
If you want more information on Operation Zenith or riding please go to the Road Safety pages of;
Grampian Police website
Around the Corner website
Driving Standards Authority, or ask at your local motorbike dealer.
Operation Zenith Website
Enjoy your biking, be safe and we'll hopefully see you over the coming biking season.
Road Safety Grampian