Police Scotland officers in Ross-shire and wider Highlands in safety plea to motorcyclists; appeal ties in with Breathtaking Roads campaign highlighting stunning motorbike routes like the North Coast 500

Police in Ross-shire are urging motorcyclists to ride safely as bikers prepare to get back on the road for the summer season.

As the nights are getting longer, many recreational bikers will be taking their machines out of storage and getting back on the road, possibly for the first time in several months.

“Although motorcyclists make up only one per cent of the motoring public they account for around 20 per cent of the people killed in road crashes, often during cornering or overtaking manoeuvres,” said Superintendent Louise Blakelock.

“Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than other motorists - the smallest of errors, by rider or driver, can lead to very serious consequences. I urge motorcyclists to follow our safety advice.”

The initiative ties in with the Breathtaking Roads campaign – short films showcasing Scotland’s breathtaking motorcycle routes, and encouraging bikers to share best practice riding tips.