Safety leaflet launched in memory of Inverness biker
Jenna Sutherland and PC John Hier launch new bike safety leaflet
FAMILY and friends of a motorcyclist killed in a road accident last year have backed a new leaflet aimed at boosting bike safety.
Those who were close to motorcycle trainer Matt Campbell joined forces with Northern Constabulary on Saturday to launch the new motorcycle safety leaflet aimed at making motorcyclists safer and promoting the free rider education programme, Bikesafe.
The launch took place at Bught Ice Rink, Inverness, during a mass ride-out organised by Matt’s friends and family in his memory.
Inverness man Matt (35) was killed on October 9, 2010, 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 and family and friends donated money raised at his funeral to Northern Constabulary’s Road Safety section to promote safer riding across the Highlands and Islands.
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."
Some of the money raised at his funeral went towards buying a new lap-top computer so the Bikesafe team could take the scheme’s educational element to practical training sessions and enhance the classroom work. The remaining funds were put towards creating the new leaflet.
This is the second motorcycle related leaflet issued by the force in the past two years. The latest leaflet provides tips on how to become a safer rider, while the previous version focussed on making sure riders 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."
The leaflet can be seen on the force website at http://www.northern.police.uk/Service-Units/bikesafe
