OVER the weekend four separate accidents killed three motor cyclists and one pillion passenger, but this was against the trend, writes Cameron Simpson.
The RAC's public affairs manager in Scotland, Sue Nicholson, said fatalities had plummeted over the past 20 years. ''Riding a motor cycle has become a very safe occupation,'' Ms Nicholson said.
A report by the RAC and the Motorcycle Industry Association showed accidents had fallen by 61% between 1981 and 1995 - a much better performance than any other mode of transport.
Jeremy Vanke of the RAC confirmed the trend, but identified two problem groups: the rider between 17 and 21 and ''the born-again biker'' between 30 and 40.
He said: ''They have disposable income and are buying big machines and are getting back on them without any further training.''
The weekend deaths happened outside Dumfries, at Drymen and at Callander in Central Scotland, and at Kilmartin, north of Lochgilphead, Argyll.
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