Bikesafe Rideouts

Information

Motorcycle casualties make up a disproportionate percentage of the total number of serious/fatal collisions within Derbyshire. A high percentage of motorcycle collisions can be attributed to rider error coupled with inappropriate speed. The vast majority of riders of the larger capacity motorcycles have not pursued further rider training and as a result their skill levels do not meet those demanded by the manner in which some choose to ride their machines.

Intention

Through education and encouragement, reduce motorcycle casualties by enhancing rider skills and behaviour.

Method

Volunteer motorcyclists will be followed by a current Road Traffic motorcyclist, riding a marked Traffic motorcycle, on a predetermined route for between 30 and 45 minutes.

Motorcyclists wanting to participate in the scheme will be asked to complete and sign a specially prepared legal disclaimer form.

The officer conducting the assessment will brief the motorcyclist, covering the following points:

· That during the assessment ride, their overriding consideration must be safety. The volunteer should not be put under any pressure to ride above their ability or at speeds that they feel uncomfortable with.

· It should be stressed that all traffic signs and speed limits must be adhered to without exception and if they choose to ignore them, then consideration may be given to prosecution. The later course of action is the least desirable option to deal with minor offences and goes against the spirit of the operation.

· The rider will be asked to ride in their normal manner in order to achieve a meaningful and useful feedback session.

The police motorcyclist will not conduct any kind of demonstration ride but will remain behind the volunteer at all times. Demonstration rides are classed as instruction and this is not what it is about.

The assessing officer will be looking to advise on the ‘basics’ of safe riding such as positioning, cornering and overtaking. It must be remembered that a safe rather than an advanced progressive ride is all that is expected from the volunteer.

At the conclusion of the ride, the police motorcyclist will provide a balanced and constructive verbal assessment to the volunteer. The officer will be mindful not to just concentrate on the negative aspects of the ride but will also provide praise.

If the officer feels that the volunteer would benefit from further training, this will be encouraged and suitable information will be given to direct the volunteer towards recognised training bodies.

The above will be held every Sunday from May through to September at Matlock Bath, Derbyshire. The Bikesafe ‘van’ will be located on the car park near to the museum.