A new film has been produced to highlight the skills required to ride as part of a group of powered two wheeler riders.
Developed by Road Safety Scotland, the new film has been launched as part of the Breathtaking Roads safety campaign – which initially ran during 2018.
Evaluation of the campaign highlighted a need for greater knowledge of how to ride safely in a group – with approximately half of riders saying they enjoy riding with others.
The evaluation also showed that of the bikers who had seen the Breathtaking Roads films, 94% claimed to have changed their riding behaviour (versus a campaign target of 66%).
Positive riding behaviours highlighted by the evaluation included 39% of riders saying they would be more patient when overtaking, 34% would approach bends more carefully and 33% would approach junctions more carefully.
The new group riding video is designed to capture the ‘beauty and freedom’ of riding in Scotland – while focusing on the hazards that riders need to be aware of, as well as the safety issues when it comes to riding as part of a group.
Liz Rockley, senior marketing manager with the Scottish Government, said: “To date, our films have focused on the skills required to remain in control of a motorbike, particularly at bends, junctions and during overtaking.
“The 2019 Breathtaking Roads campaign will build on learnings from 2018 and we will re-use existing assets and continue with our peer-led communications approach.
“However, to enhance the communications strategy further, we have created a new film for social media focusing on the skills required to ride safely as part of a group, which was requested by bikers in our evaluation.
“We will also be increasing advertising along key biking routes in Scotland to reinforce safety messages at the point of riding, particularly with older bikers who may be less likely to see digital advertising.”
I like the balance in the videos. Not too preachy in delivering the information and wonderful scenery. Those near the back of the group in the video had another biker in their braking distance and partially blocking their view for a lot of the time. Not my scene, I much prefer riding solo as I can ride at my own pace and see more of the road ahead.
Re Digital advertising, its not all or nothing. Most of us older bikers do use websites and watch online videos on a decent sized screen, even if we choose not to stick it all on our phones and spend time on social media.
Pat, Wales
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