MARTYS – Promoting Motorcycle Safety

Sadly and quite often it’s a tragedy that makes us stop, open our eyes and pay attention. We all absolutely love motorcycling with a passion, it’s a bond we all share! But … it does come with risks and with that responsibilities to ourselves, family and loved ones. At Motorcycle Scotland we will support any cause or effort that aim to help anyone enjoy the passions of motorcycling for longer and lets face it, that means by doing it safely and that’s why we like what MARTYS is doing.

THE WHY: MARTYS Charity (Registered Charity Number SC 045269) was set up by Martyn Austin’s family after he tragically lost his life at the tender age of 22. He was doing what he loved whilst out on a ride in late 2014 when he slid going round a corner and collided with a vehicle. Martyn survived the initial impact but it took three hours to get to the hospital, missing the crucial Golden Hour, and passed away due to blood loss and internal injuries.

Understandably Martyn’s family found his loss particularly difficult to deal with, he was a vibrant and joyous young man! Thefelt that his memory would not be in vain if they could at help educate, at the very least, even one young rider and save the pains of another family losing a loved one … they aim to hopefully educate hundreds more!

THE WHO: MARTYS was established on the 6th of December 2014 for charitable purposes only and in particular the saving of lives and the relief of those in need by reason of financial hardship. This will be achieved by raising awareness of motorcycle safety and safe driving, raising motorists awareness of motorcyclists, supporting charities that help save the lives of motorcyclists, charity Air Ambulance and Blood Bikes. The charity will hope to raise funding for motorcyclists that are unable to afford advanced motorcycle training from the Institute of Advanced Motorists. The charity will also help to contributing to the funeral costs of the families of victims of a motorcycle accidents.

THE HOW: MARTYS doesn’t employ any staff themselves. Everyone from accountants, web designers, fundraisers, trustees dedicate all there services free of charge which means every penny goes towards things that count.

This is what they do:

• Raise awareness through events.
• Help Support families.
• Change how we respond to Emergencies and lessons from the military.
• Government outreach programs for road sign and markings.
• Tackling changes to the law for road users.
• Advance motorcycle lessons.
• supporting life saving causes that don’t only save motorcyclists lives but everyone.
• Addressing Highway code issues.
• MARTYS volunteer of the year award.

If you like what you see and hear, take a look at their website and support their activities in the best way you can. Whether it be donations, attending their events or simply spreading the word, every bit counts. WEBSITE: www.martynaustin.com