By Bill Heaney
The motorcyclist who died in a crash on the A82 Loch Lomondside road near Tarbert on Wednesday, 20 April, has been named.
He was Phillip Alan Buchan, pictured right, known as Phil, aged 31, from Clydebank. Police confirmed that the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr Buchan’s family have asked for privacy at this time. The incident happened around 4.15pm and involved a motorcycle and a lorry, according to police who are seeking witnesses to the accident. The lorry driver was unhurt.
Sergeant Hugh Niccolls, from the Road Policing Unit at Dumbarton, said: “At this time, our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the deceased.
“I’d like to thank the public who stopped at the scene and have provided statements to officers. We continue to appeal for any further witnesses to come forward.
“If you have any information on this incident, please call police on 101, quoting incident 2388 of 20 April.”
Meanwhile, police West Dunbartonshire are appealing for witnesses and information following a serious road crash, which took place on Thursday, 22 April.
The two-car crash happened around 9.35pm on the A811, Old Military Road near Gartocharn. The crash involved a red Audi TT and a white Volkswagen Tiguan.
The occupants of the Audi TT, two men aged 18 and 20, were taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, where staff describe their condition as critical. The 45-year-old female occupant of the Volkswagen Tiguan was also taken to hospital where she is receiving treatment.
Inspector Gill Gardner, from the Dumbarton Road Policing Unit, said: “We’re appealing for anyone who was in the area and witnessed the incident or the vehicles involved to please come forward.
“We are particularly keen to speak with anyone who may have dashcam footage, as this could help us establish the full circumstances which led to this crash.
“I would also extend my thanks to the members of the public who stopped and provided assistance to the occupants of both vehicles”
“If you have any information and haven’t already contacted police, please call 101, quoting incident 3569 of 21 April.”
Two motorcyclists have died this month and five seriously injured in collisions over the Easter weekend.
The latest figures are being highlighted as a reminder to all road users to keep themselves and others safe while travelling on Scotland’s roads.
Road policing officers are focusing on their annual motorcycle campaign over the spring and summer months when riders tend to make use of the better weather.
Fellow biker and deputy head of road policing, Superintendent Stewart Mackie, pictured left, said: “We speak to bikers and other road users all year round but as the better weather arrives, there is a real focus on motorbike safety and educating all drivers.
“Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than other road users. My plea to other riders is a straightforward one – get home safe.
“I have bitter experience of attending fatal collisions over the years and we must all be cautious on bends, especially left hand bends and think twice before every single overtake.
“I understand the pleasure of being on a bike and exploring Scotland but there’s nothing more important than returning home to your loved ones safe and well.
“Every road user needs to play their part.”
Rider Refinement motorcycle training courses are held by road policing officers and partners to promote responsible riding. There are a number of dates available in Inverurie and Elgin from April to July. Visit our North East Division Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as our Highland and Islands Division pages, for more information.
More than 85 per cent of all motorcycle collisions happen in rural areas, during the daytime and in good weather. Over 500 motorcyclists are seriously injured or killed across the country each year.