NEW concerns have been raised as it emerged one in five deaths on Scotland's roads involves a motorcyclist.
A new road safety campaign has been launched as it emerged the number of casualties and deaths from accidents continues to rise.
While motorcyclists make up less than one per cent of Scotland's road traffic, safety campaigners are concerned that they accounted for 20% of fatalities on the road in 2018.
Despite continuing road safety messaging, new figures show there were 33 motorcyclists who died in crashes in 2018 - a rise of four.
READ MORE: Police motorcycle safety campaign gets into gear
Meanwhile there were 640 who were injured in accidents, 20 more than last year.
Now motorcyclists in Scotland are being encouraged to adopt safe riding habits when exploring the country through a film in the Live Fast, Die Old Breathtaking Roads series.
In the new Road Safety Scotland campaign supported by Police Scotland, the new film, The Devil’s Beeftub, focuses on bikers riding in groups and the dangers to be particularly aware of when enjoying Scotland’s roads.
Filmed in the Borders region, the film highlights potential hazards including sheep, stationary cars and blind bends, and finishes with the strapline ‘be aware on breathtaking roads, don’t let them take your breath away for good’.
The latest motorcycling tragedy to hit Scotland's roads came on June 29, when father-of-one James Lynagh from Tain was the rider of a Suzuki GSF600 motorcycle when it was involved in a one-vehicle collision on Culduthel Road in Inverness.
READ MORE: Motorcyclist dies after coastal road crash near caravan park
Investigations are ongoing into the circumstances leading up to the incident.
Official figures show that riders aged 50-54 are more susceptible to being killer or seriously injured in accidents, and 92% of all motorcycle casualties are male.
Analysis also shows that, in three in four collisions where a biker is injured, the rider is the contributory factor. Failure to look properly and loss of control are the top factors in motorcycle deaths, with rider behaviour at bends or when overtaking accounting for the majority of fatal or serious injuries, Transport secretary Michael Matheson, said: “We are aware bikers face greater risks than any other road user, and we are committed to raising awareness of the dangers they encounter on Scotland’s roads and reducing the number of those killed or seriously injured.
“Through using the voices of the biking community, the Live Fast, Die Old campaign is fundamental in highlighting best practice. I’d encourage any motorcyclist who is planning to explore Scotland to ride appropriately for the conditions and always consider other roads users, particularly if you’re riding as part of a group.”
Outdoor posters are to be displayed at key locations on Scotland’s most popular motorcycle routes, encouraging bikers to visit the dedicated Live Fast, Die Old website and Facebook page for best practice advice.
The new film will also be showcased at biking events such as Thunder in the Glens in Aviemore.
Michael McDonnell, director of Road Safety Scotland said: “We’re now well into biking season and as the weather improves, the roads are busier and bikers set off with their friends to enjoy the stunning scenery that Scotland has to offer.
“We understand the thrill of biking and don’t want to take that away, but we want to ensure that groups of motorcyclists are looking out for each other on the road and practising safe manoeuvres together.”
A dedicated microsite and Facebook page called Live Fast, Die Old is also available which highlights the greatest biking experiences, along with hints and tips from carefully selected local biking experts who have first-hand experience of Scotland’s roads.
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