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Nwicker60
13-Apr-11, 08:14
*THE Far North has known the pain of motorcycle tragedies so I thought this initiative, launched in Inverness at the weekend, would serve as a useful post.

Motorcycle tragedy sparks new safety initiative

THE family and friends of late motorcycle trainer Matt Campbell have joined forces with Northern Constabulary to launch a new motorcycle safety leaflet aimed at making motorcyclists safer and promoting the Bikesafe scheme.
The launch took place on Saturday at Bucht Ice Rink, Inverness during a mass ride-out organised by Matt's friends and family in his memory.
Matt was killed on 9 October last year on the A82 after being involved in a collision with a car.
Some of his friends and colleagues, who were not able to make it to his funeral to pay their respects, were able to take part in the ride-out to pay their final respects to the CMS motorcycle instructor.
Matt's partner Jenna Sutherland, family and friends donated money raised at his funeral to Northern Constabulary's Road Safety section in order to promote safer riding across the Highlands and Islands.
Some of the money went towards a new lap-top computer so that the Bikesafe team could take the educational element of Bikesafe (a free rider education programme) out to practical training sessions and enhance the classroom work. The remaining funds were put towards the creation of this new leaflet.
This is the second motorcycle related leaflet issued by the Force in the past two years, however the latest one provide tips on how to become a safer rider, rather than focusing, as the previous version did, on making sure you have the correct gear and equipment.
PC John Hier, Bikesafe Co-ordinator within the Force's Road Policing Unit, said: "We are grateful to Matt's family, friends and colleagues for their kind donation which will help us promote safer riding and improve the delivery of the Bikesafe programme by allowing us to take it to the public.
"Bikesafe is a free and invaluable programme which is available to all motorcyclists, regardless of their ability. Even if you are an experienced rider it's important to remember that you never stop learning."
Matt's partner Jenna said: "We are delighted that the money raised is being put towards something which will hopefully prevent further motorcycle casualties.
"We would encourage all motorcyclists to sign up to the Bikesafe scheme because it could save your life."
She added: "Matt dedicated his career to training new bikers and I know he would be delighted that his family and friends were working with the Police to try and reduce serious and fatal road accidents across the Highlands and Islands."
The leaflets include information on Bikesafe, group safety, planning your ride in advance, expecting the unexpected, adverse weather and tips for safer riding.
You will also be able to see the leaflet on our social media sites Facebook and Twitter as well as the Force website.
If you would like more information on the Bikesafe scheme visit our website on http://www.northern.police.uk/Service-Units/bikesafe
Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/NorthernPolice (http://www.twitter.com/NorthernPolice) or Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/northern.constabulary (http://www.facebook.com/northern.constabulary)