THIS week sees the start of the school summer holidays, which is always a landmark point of the year and I hope many of you will be enjoying time off and, with any luck, some sunshine both at home and abroad.

I took a few days off last week to look after my children as they finished school on Wednesday and we enjoyed a climb up Allermuir in the Pentlands in the sunshine, although fortunately it was not as hot as it has been.

Such fine weather always brings greater volumes of both cyclists and motorcyclists to our roads and, as such, this is an opportune occasion to provide advice to all road users to ensure the safety of those who are most vulnerable when travelling.

I would ask that car, van and HGV drivers give appropriate time and space when passing bicycles, motorcycles, horses or pedestrians, and always be mindful for cyclists and riders when you are moving off or exiting a junction.

To those who use both pedal bikes and motorbikes, please ensure that you enhance your visibility by wearing the appropriate high-vis clothing and always wear a helmet on the roads. We’ve sadly seen all too often the devastating consequences of when someone falls from a bike or motorcycle without a helmet and we are committed to reducing the number of such incidents taking place.

The Highway Code recognises “pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists” are vulnerable “with children, older adults and disabled people being more at risk”. I am happy to report that a Lothians & Scottish Borders Division Vulnerable Road Users Working Group has been formed to allow police and our partners to share good practice and work together to improve the safety of all vulnerable groups – I will keep you updated with progress and developments in the months ahead.

We are committed to reducing the number of casualties we observe on our roads and improving road safety for everyone. You all have a vital role to play in this and we are grateful for your continued support and assistance.