‘Live Fast Die Old’ bike safety campaign launched

The campaign, by Road Safety Scotland and the Scottish Government, in support of Police Scotland’s engagement activity highlights the need to negotiate left-hand bends safely. One in three motorbike fatalities occur on left-hand bends.

Motorcyclists make up one per cent of Scotland’s road traffic, but account for 13 per cent of its fatalities, and throughout the biking season it is not unusual to see at least one fatality each weekend.

Live Fast Die Old will include a short fun film showing older bikers enjoying themselves and living life to the full, while also taking it easy on left-hand bends, or ‘lefthanders’. A new Facebook page dedicated to the campaign will bring together

advice from experts and fellow bikers, offering YouTube videos and tips on biking techniques, route recommendations, upcoming events, and how to keep safe while not giving up the freedom and enjoyment they get from being on their bikes.

The campaign is aimed primarily at male bikers between 40 and 49 years old. This age group make up 20 per cent of all bikers in Scotland but account for 30 per cent of bikers who are killed or seriously injured.

Chief Superintendent Iain Murray from Police Scotland said: “After a long winter off the roads, many bikers are getting ready to get back out this Easter weekend.

“While we want bikers to enjoy the fantastic roads and scenery that Scotland has to offer, we want them to keep them safe, especially on left hand bends.

“The Live Fast Die Old campaign is a fantastic opportunity for us to talk directly to bikers, encouraging them to enjoy the season while thinking about the safety aspects of their ride. Ultimately living fast and dying old.”

Michael McDonnell, Director of Road Safety Scotland, said: “Roughly one biker dying every weekend during the biker season is totally unacceptable, and our aim is to make such a statistic a thing of the past. Police Scotland analysis shows that the 40-49 age group are the most likely to be killed than any other age group, and the Live Fast Die Old campaign reminds bikers there are simple steps they can take to keep themselves and other bikers safe this summer while still enjoying being out on the road.”