You never stop learning new riding skills and it’s not too late for Suffolk bikers to sign up for a Safe Rider workshop.
We’re a great supporter of Safe Rider and many of the Orwell Motorcycles team have enjoyed past courses.
They offer riders the opportunity to improve their riding skills and enhance awareness and ability on the road.
There are still places available on the last two courses of this year. They run over a Friday evening and Saturday daytime:
- Friday 26 September and Saturday 27 September
- Friday 10 October and Saturday 11 October
Safe Rider is aimed at reducing the number of motorbike casualties on our roads. They are for all fully-qualified riders who want to improve their skills to become better and safer riders.
Workshops cost £80 per person, or £40 for those aged under 25. They are held at Suffolk Police Headquarters, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich.
PC Barry O’Neill, a member of Suffolk Constabulary’s Road Casualty Reduction Team who co-ordinates the scheme, said: “The workshops are designed to give motorcyclists greater awareness of the hazards they may face when out riding and to help them become better and safer riders.
“The scheme has been developed to bridge the gap between passing the basic motorcycle test and taking an advanced test and the underlying message of the workshops will continue to be that education is key, not enforcement.
“The under 25 age group – as the most inexperienced road-users – potentially have the most to gain by attending and, as such, we are continuing to offer the 50% reduction of the course fee to under 25s.
“Experienced motorcyclists are equally encouraged to attend as it is always good to refresh your skills. All police officers who are advanced-level riders are required to have refresher training every three to five years.
“Relatives or friends looking for gift ideas for a loved one, who is a motorcycling enthusiast, might consider booking them on to a Safe Rider course – in particular parents of young riders.
"Reducing the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on the county’s roads remains a priority for us. We will keep doing all we can to make Suffolk’s roads safe for everyone,” he added.
Safe Rider courses aimed at riders living in Suffolk are run with the support of Suffolk Roadsafe, Copdock Classic Motorcycle Club, Orwell Motorcycles, Lings, Reiten Motorrad, Suffolk Riders and Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclists.
Riders who do not live in Suffolk are also welcome to attend but it is recommended they contact their home county’s constabulary first to see if it has any courses available.
The courses comprise a theory input on Friday evening, with classroom sessions on the system of road craft, particularly positioning and cornering.
The following day there is an escorted rideout with a class one police motorcyclist. A maximum three riders to one police officer ensures an accurate and personalised assessment of your riding, explained to you at the end of the session.
To register for a course call the Road Casualty Reduction Team on 01473 613888, extension 3722, or email saferider@suffolk.police.uk
