BikeSafe Days
BikeSafe is a rider initiative offering assessed rides with police motorcyclists. The aim of the one-day course is to show you how to enjoy your riding whilst recognising the skills required to stay safe. The day involves a blend of riding theory with riding assessments conducted by advanced police motorcyclist. For dates please check Calendar of Events.
Compulsory Basic Training
Before riding on public roads, every rider will need to complete a Compulsory Basic Training course. Providers of Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) courses can be found in the Yellow Pages or through internet search engines.
Motorcycle Test
The Direct Access Scheme is one of several routes to obtaining a full motorcycle licence. Providers of motorcycle training can be found in the Yellow Pages or through internet search engines.
Visit the Driving Standards Agency for further information on driving tests: www.dsa.gov.uk
Other opportunities to improve your riding:
Rider Performance Courses
The Rider Performance course is a new course established by Somerset Road Safety Partnership, offering collision avoidance skills training at Castle Combe racetrack.
Three courses are expected to be delivered on the dates as follows:
26th May 2010
28th July 2010
15th September 2010 Booking for the 2010 Rider Performance Courses is now open and available through the Castle Combe Circuit website:
http://www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk/trackdays/events/motorcyclesafety.asp Advanced Riding
Ride to Arrive courses provide a residential weekend of riding assessments by police motorcyclists – visit www.ridetoarrive.org for more information or contact the Road Safety Partnership for a booking form. roadsafety@somerset.gov.uk 0844 980 0028
Advanced Riding Groups
Advanced riding groups have a significant part to play in encouraging riders to improve their riding standards. Volunteers help encourage other riders to adopt a systematic approach and defensive riding techniques, to improve their overall riding skills and safety.
An advanced rider is up to 75% less likely to be involved in a collision.
There are two national groups that promote advanced riding, both have local groups
• The Institute of Advanced Motorists - for more details visit www.iam.org.uk
• RoSPA Advanced Riders – visit www.roada.org
Local contacts for Advanced Riding Groups are
• Institute of Advanced Motorists – Somerset Advanced Motorcyclists www.somersetadvancedmotorcyclists.org.uk
• Institute of Advanced Motorists – Cheddar Valley Advanced Motorcyclists www.cvam.info
• RoSPA Advanced Riders – http://dsrospa.phpbbhosts.co.uk
Riding Tips
If you're already good, make yourself better. The best motorcyclists ride defensively so they are less likely to be involved in collisions.
Make sure you -
• anticipate the actions of other motorists
• are alert and observant (important when you are negotiating junctions or roundabouts)
• look out for other vulnerable road users - children, pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders
• ride at a speed that will enable you to slow down and stop in good time - the unexpected can happen
• ride according to the conditions: slow down if it's wet, foggy or icy
• position yourself in the best place - usually the middle of the lane but take up your road position in good time before turning right or left, clearly indicating to others what your intentions are
• overtake safely - can you see hazards? Is there a bend or a junction? Can you overtake without speeding up or swerving too much?
• take a lifesaver glance over your shoulder before carrying out manoeuvres when you need to know where other drivers are and what they are doing.
Be seen. Dipped headlights, even in good daylight, can help you to be seen.
Buy the right gear before you get on your motorcycle. You need -
• An approved helmet that fits securely. Replace it if you think it is damaged. A white or brightly coloured helmet can help you to be seen.
• Good clothing - and that means jackets, trousers and boots. The best will be CE marked and can protect you from getting hurt if you come off. To aid conspicuity consider clothing that is fluorescent during the day and reflective at night.
Clothing which also protects you properly from the weather will not just make you feel more comfortable, it will also allow you to focus more on your riding.
Think! Bike
Think Bike signs are placed in strategic locations around Somerset at particular times of the year. We use collision data to identify where and when SMIDSY (“Sorry mate, I didn’t see you”) style collisions are most likely to occur and position the signs accordingly.
Think Bike car and van stickers are available free of charge from Somerset Road Safety Partnership roadsafety@somerset.gov.uk 0844 980 0028
For further advice on motorcycle safety and skills training visit: www.thinkmotorcycleacademy.co.uk
| 
