Tracey Marsh, Maureen Rutherford and Jacqueline Dickson tragically lost their husbands in road traffic collisions on Scotland’s roads. All three men were experienced motorcyclists, but their lives were cut short because a motorist failed to 'take another look' at a junction. Two were deemed acts of ‘carelessness’ according to the criminal courts who subsequently convicted the drivers, and in the third civil case, no fault was attached to the motorcyclist. Tracey, Maureen and Jacqueline have now launched a campaign to urge drivers to look again at every junction and I am backing them all the way.

As a motorcyclist I know that their experience is repeated time and time again. Evidence from both criminal and civil proceedings shows that many motorcyclists have met similar fates or suffered life changing injuries because of motorists' negligence. Despite this, the Scottish Government continues to put the emphasis on improving rider behaviour at the exclusion of all else.

According to Transport Scotland's Reported Road Casualties 2022 report, there were 467 motorcycle casualties, including 25 fatalities, that year: an increase of 2% on 2021. It is evident that more needs to be done if the Scottish Government is to meet its own target of reducing motorcycle casualty numbers by 30% by 2030 and on behalf of the motorcycling community, I want to see a shift towards reminding motorists of their role and responsibility towards vulnerable road users. It's time the narrative and perception of motorcyclists changed.

We are calling for a new campaign to '#takeanotherlook’ at junctions, echoing the 'think bike' initiative of the 1970s that was aimed at increasing motorists’ awareness of motorcycles and reducing accidents caused by failure to spot them in time. In developing this new campaign for today’s road conditions, we can ensure that all road users take extra care when approaching junctions and potentially save lives. The loss of a husband, wife, partner, or friend is devastating, and I do not wish anyone else to suffer as Tracey, Maureen and Jacqueline have. Please join me in urging the Scottish Government to take immediate action in protecting all our loved ones who ride motorcycles on Scotland's roads.

This campaign is supported by Motorcycle Law Scotland, IAM RoadSmart, BMF (British Motorcyclists Federation), MAG (Motorcycle Action Group), Biker Down Scotland and RoadPeace.

Sign this petition today; together we can make a difference!

Sam Heughan.