by Bill Heaney
The first ‘Dust Off Your Leathers’ event took place at Knockhill Circuit near Dunfermline on Thursday, 30 April 2026, forming part of Police Scotland’s motorcycle safety campaign for 2026, which began on 20 March.
Delivered in partnership with IAM RoadSmart and Transport Scotland, the event brought together 77 riders of all experience levels for a full day of practical sessions in a controlled environment.
Inspector Ally Johnson, Head of Police Scotland’s Motorcycle Unit, said: “Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users, and improving rider skills and confidence is a key part of keeping riders safe on Scotland’s roads.
“Our new ‘Dust Off Your Leathers’ initiative is about allowing riders to refresh their skills in a safe and supportive environment, ahead of the busier spring and summer months.
“It’s been really encouraging to see strong engagement at this first event, and we’ll continue to work with our partners to support riders in enjoying the roads safely and promote safer motorcycling across Scotland.
“Alongside our engagement and rider training events, we are also carrying out enhanced patrols throughout the year to help keep our roads safe.”
IAM RoadSmart Road Safety Manager Shaun Cronin said: “While enforcement and awareness campaigns play an important role, improving safety also means strengthening training and education for riders.
“That’s why IAM RoadSmart is working closely with Police Scotland and Road Safety Scotland to promote practical initiatives such as Rider Refinement and Dust Off Your Leathers, helping riders refresh their skills, build confidence, and improve safety every time they ride.”
Participants took part in a range of workshops focused on key areas including machine handling, braking techniques, motorcycle maintenance and roadside first aid. Riders also spent time on the circuit developing core skills such as cornering and overtaking under the guidance of qualified instructors.
Don’t end up like this biker
Among those taking part was Jim, a rider with 40 years’ experience who was looking to refresh his skills ahead of the riding season, and his wife, who was looking to build her confidence and gain more experience with professional instruction.
He said: “It gives you the basics again, such as bike maintenance, first aid, and time with an instructor on the track. It’s been a good day.”
Asked what advice he would give to fellow riders ahead of the peak season, Jim added: “Make sure you take care, ride safely and get home. That’s what we all want to do.”
Rider Refinement courses are available nationwide throughout the year as part of a structured programme designed to help motorcyclists refresh and develop their riding skills. For more information and to book into a session, please visit the IAM RoadSmart website: https://www.iamroadsmart.com/courses-services/for-individuals/rider-refinement/
For advice on motorcycling safety, please visit Road Safety Scotland: https://roadsafety.scot/road-user-advice/motorcyclists/
Meanwhile, an initiative aimed at enhancing road safety and encouraging responsible driving is launching in Dunblane.
The Community Speedwatch Scheme is a voluntary programme aimed at encouraging road users to reduce their speed, particularly in built-up areas, improve road safety, and foster a safer environment for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
This is a partnership initiative with Stirling Council and residents.
The programme, which launches on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, empowers trained and approved volunteers to monitor and record vehicle speeds at pre-approved sites.
The records generated are then forwarded to Police Scotland.
The Dunblane volunteers have been provided with training and will work alongside officers who will provide guidance and oversee the scheme to ensure it operates effectively and safely. It will operate on Perth Road and Doune Road.
Those participating in the scheme have expressed their thanks to everyone who assisted them in helping to set it up. They hope their efforts encourage and educate residents and other road users to drive safely and to the speed limit.
Sergeant Sarah Stephenson said: “Speeding remains a significant concern for many residents in Dunblane and this scheme gives the community an active role in addressing the issue, while strengthening collaboration between local people, the police, and the council.”
The Dunblane Community Speedwatch Group received £800 from Stirling Council’s Community Grants/Pride Scheme to help deliver the project. It has welcomed the initiative as part of its ongoing commitment to improve road safety across the region through its Road Safety Plan, a framework for delivering safer roads, supporting sustainable travel and achieving national casualty reduction targets by 2030.
Road safety remains a national priority for Police Scotland and is an important local policing matter in Dunblane. This scheme will not negate enforcement action, but it will act as a preventative and educational tool.
If you would like to get involved in Community Speedwatch, please contact your local Community Policing Team.
Dunblane Community Policing Officers pictured from left to right: Sergeant Sarah Stephenson; Constable Siobhan Rennie; and Constable David Collins with volunteers involved in the scheme.