Warwickshire motorcyclists encouraged to refresh and improve riding skills - The Stratford Observer

Warwickshire motorcyclists encouraged to refresh and improve riding skills

Stratford Editorial 17th Apr, 2021   0

MOTORCYCLISTS in Warwickshire are being encouraged to refresh and improve their riding skills by the county’s police and firefighters.

Warwickshire Police and Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service are inviting bikers to attend a one-day BikeSafe or Biker Down workshop.

The push comes as part of the National Police Chief Council’s 2 Wheels campaign between April 5-18, to help improve the safety of bikers as more people take to two wheels in improving weather.

BikeSafe is a national police-run motorcycle initiative which aims to improve riding and reduce the risk of motorcyclists being involved in a collision, as well as raising awareness of the importance of progressing on to accredited post-test training.




The BikeSafe initiative offers bikers the opportunity to spend a day learning from advanced police motorcyclists and experience a professional police-observed ride with them to improve their riding skills, safety and enjoyment of riding their bike on the roads.

Workshops cost £65 and cover areas including rider attitude, collision causation, cornering, positioning, overtaking, observation, braking, hazard perception and use of gears.


Sergeant Shaun Bridle said: “Most riders are dusting off their motorbikes after winter and getting them ready for the new season, but it’s not just your bike that may need attention. There are some great routes in Warwickshire and we can help you improve your skills so you can get the most out of your time on your bike whilst staying as safe as possible.”

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, supported by partners including Warwickshire Police, is also offering the Biker Down course – in response to the number of biker deaths and injuries on Warwickshire roads.

In 2019, 12 motorbike riders lost their lives in fatal collisions in Warwickshire, and a further 72 bikers suffered serious or life changing injuries. Most of these involved more powerful motorbikes over 500cc. In 2020, three bikers were killed and 43 seriously injured – the reduction due primarily to lockdown.

Warwickshire Biker Down is a free three-hour course delivered from Rugby Fire Station which helps give riders an awareness of what to do if they are first at the scene of a motorcycle collision. The workshop is for new and experienced riders of all ages and is delivered alongside BikeSafe team members of Warwickshire Police.

Since 2015, over 780 bikers have attended the Biker Down course.

Biker Down coordinator Darren Morris said: “The importance of courses like Biker Down cannot be overestimated. The actions taken in the first few moments after an incident can make a real difference to the lives of those involved.

“Motorcyclists often ride out in groups and Biker Down offers bikers the opportunity to learn what to do if they are the first at the scene of a motorcycle collision.”

The BikeSafe course takes place every other Sunday until the end of October at Leek Wootton. Visit bit.ly/3e9Yl8Y to book, or www.bikesafe.co.uk for more information.

Spaces are available on Biker Down on Sunday June 27, July 25, August 29 and October 31. Visit https://tinyurl.com/449d8yv5 to book.

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