Operation Zenith aims to take riders to new heights
Police Scotland has called for "improved rider behaviour" on local roads as the season approaches.
"Over the coming months, many motorcyclists will take to the beautiful Highlands and Islands to experience the open roads and stunning scenery.
"In order to make our roads safer for everyone, Police in the Highland and Islands Division are keen to raise awareness and inform all road users of the increased risk of road traffic collisions involving motorcyclists over the spring and summer months."
Divisional Road Policing Unit Inspector Neil Lumsden told the Strathy: "Twelve motorcyclists died as a result of road traffic collisions in the Highlands and Islands Division between 2012 and 2013 and we deal with more killed or seriously injured motorcycle collisions than any other Division in Scotland.
"We are keen to raise awareness of the vulnerability of this group of road users, both to motorcyclists and to other road users."
Operation Zenith is a Police Scotland initiative and will run between now and September 28, focusing on improving rider behaviour, particularly aimed at the contributory factors which result in riders being killed or seriously injured.
All operational Police Officers will be engaging in the operation, he said, including police motorcyclists from the Road Policing Unit based in Dingwall and Fort William.
Inspector Lumsden continued: "As part of the operation, we will be conducting high visibility patrols on the areas most popular motorcycle routes, engaging with motorcyclists to improve rider attitudes, promote safer riding and enforce legislation in respect of any motoring offences."
