MOTORCYCLE cops will be out in force in the county this weekend to drive home the need for safety on the roads.

Officers from Police Scotland’s motorcycle unit will target popular meeting spots for enthusiasts as part of Operation Zenith.

Sergeant Kenny Strachan from the unit says they aim to remind motorcyclists about being vigilant and ensuring their bikes are in good condition.

He said: “At this time of year we see one fatality every weekend among motorcyclists on the roads in Scotland.

“Although motorcycles make up just one per cent of traffic on our roads they are involved in 13 per cent of deaths.

“It is a sobering statistic and we aim to chat to motorcyclists about safety.” As well as encouraging conversations about being vigilant on the road, the officers remind drivers of the need to check their bikes after they have been off the road for a while.

Sgt Strachan said: “For many it is a leisure activity which can see their bikes put away through the winter months and then brought out and put straight on the road.

“It’s important they are checked to make sure they are in good condition.” Operation Zenith originally began in Grampian and is now used across Scotland to try and reduce motorcycle deaths on the roads by talking to bikers and enthusiasts at events and gatherings.

Officers also encourage them to take advanced training, working with the Institute of Advanced Motorists and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents to offer courses.

Sgt Strachan said: “We encourage motorcyclists to get additional training and anyone who has done it will tell you it is beneficial.

“We want to see the number of people injured or killed while motorcycling on our roads brought down. This weekend we will be out in force to get our message across.”