Roadside Chat: Police Scotland and Motorcycle Law Scotland

Scottish motorcyclists face unique challenges on the road — from unpredictable weather and poor surfaces to complex traffic conditions. To tackle these issues head-on, Motorcycle Law Scotland sat down with Inspector Ally Johnson, Head of Police Scotland’s National Motorcycle Unit, for a frank roadside chat.

Joined by Ewen Stewart, Head of Legal Support at MLS, the pair discuss the realities of riding in Scotland today and share practical advice to help riders stay safe, visible, and legally protected.

The full interview — now available on our YouTube channel — covers ten key topics every rider should know about, from filtering and junction safety to motorcycle theft prevention, dashcams, and rider refinement courses.

👉 Watch the full video below:

10 Key Topics Every Rider Should Know

1. Filtering (3.01) : What’s Safe and Legal in Scotland?
   Inspector Johnson clarifies when filtering is permitted, how to do it safely, and what risks to avoid.

2. Potholes and Surface Hazards (4.54)
   The pair discuss how poor road maintenance affects motorcyclists — and what riders can do if damaged roads cause an incident.

3. Junction Safety and Visibility (6.08)
   Advice on staying visible and anticipating driver behaviour at junctions, where most motorcycle collisions occur.

4. Rider Refinement Courses (7.58)
   How voluntary training builds skills, confidence, and awareness — reducing risk and improving enjoyment.
5. Engaging with Police Scotland (10.24)
   Why the National Motorcycle Unit works directly with riders to improve safety and understanding on both sides.
6. Prime Road Markings (11.58)
   Tips on lane positioning and reading road markings for maximum visibility.
7. Motorcycle Theft Prevention (12.38)
   Insight into theft trends in Scotland and how riders can protect their bikes.

8. Dashcams and Helmet Cams (14.07)
   The legal and evidential value of footage in collisions and insurance disputes.

9. Advanced Stop Lines (16.02)
   What motorcyclists should know about using ASLs safely and legally.

10. Overtaking Before Junctions (18.12)
    When it’s legal, when it’s not, and how to assess risk before making a move.

Why this collaboration matters

This conversation between Police Scotland and Motorcycle Law Scotland highlights the importance of partnership in improving motorcycle safety in Scotland. By sharing expertise — one from enforcement, the other from legal support — the aim is to create better understanding, safer habits, and a stronger riding community.

Watch the full roadside chat

The full interview runs for 22 minutes and is packed with insights every rider can use. Watch below or visit our YouTube channel to subscribe for upcoming weekly Shorts covering each topic in more depth.

Continue the conversation

Each week, Motorcycle Law Scotland will release a short clip focusing on one of the ten topics covered. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to join the discussion and share your experiences.