A FRIEND of former Wee County biker George Smith – who died in a collision last month – is fighting to keep his legacy alive by making roads safer for bikers.

Sami Stewart, 50, hopes that by urging drivers to avoid being complacent she can help prevent future accidents.

George, also known as Geordie, lost his life in Dunipace when a car pulled out in front of his bike as he drove down Stirling Street on January 21.

The 58-year-old, formerly of Alloa, was pronounced dead at the scene, and his 21-year-old son, who was also on the bike at the time, was left seriously injured.

A touching funeral service was held for Geordie on Friday, February 8, at a packed out Albert Halls in Stirling.

In the wake of the tragedy, Sami has started speaking out about road safety to do her part to prevent other fatal incidents.

She told the Advertiser: "I've never done anything like this before, but to me this is a worthy cause.

"I can't just stand back now because I've lost a really good friend.

"The message is to just think twice before you pull out.

"Nobody's perfect and accidents do happen, but we are all guilty of sometimes being complacent on the roads.

"It's an accident and we understand that, but if we can help to prevent another accident and others from going through the same trauma then I'll be happy."

Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable of road users.

According to Road Safety Scotland, they make up just one per cent of traffic, but account for around 13 per cent of fatalities.

Sami used to be a biker herself, but the hobby soon became synonymous with grief and loss.

She said: "I did bike, but I stopped a few years ago because I'd lost too many of my friends on it."

Nevertheless, she wants to highlight that a little extra caution from drivers can go a long way to keeping bikers safe.

She also made clear that, with the weather changing and more bikers getting out on the roads, her message is a timely one.

She continued: "Biking season is starting again because of the warmer weather.

"More bikers are going to be going out so now is the time for this.

"I just want to say to people be safe, be seen, and think twice before you pull out.

"Even if we can only save one person, that's brilliant in my book."

For more information on road safety, and to improve knowledge of motorbikes and motorbike law, visit dontriskit.info/motorbikes