Free courses boost biker safety on roads
MOTORBIKERS are offered free training aimed at equipping them with the expertise to assist a fellow rider in the face of a crash.
A full three-hour session from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service offers instruction in first aid, scene management and accident prevention.
Motorcyclists have already qualified from the first event of the season this April with two more dates to follow on Tuesday May 30 and Tuesday June 20. Sessions take place at the fire service headquarters in Birstall.
A service spokesman said: “Many motorcyclists ride in groups or pairs so it is often the case that when one is involved in an accident the first person in attendance will often be a fellow biker. BikerDown is a free threehour course for all bikers, giving them an awareness of the dangers at a crash scene, how to deal with a casualty and, how to increase visibility to other road users.”
Visit www.leicestershire-fire. gov.uk/your-safety/road-safety/ bikerdown-training-programme/ for more information and to book.
The course is just one of a raft of initiatives launched by members of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership (LLRRSP) as spring brings lighter nights, warmer weather and more favourable riding conditions for bikers.
Over the past five years from 2011 to 2016 there have been 227 serious collisions involving motorcyclists across the East Midlands.
As well as the fire service course bikers can take advantage of enhanced rider training - visit www.gov.uk/enhanced-riderscheme/overview - and BikeSafe, via Leicestershire Police.
Both are aimed at motorcyclists who want to brush up on their skills, gain more confidence and improve their reading of both the road and anticipating the actions of other road users.
County routes which have a history of collisions are also get- ting warning roadside signs with messages urging both motorcyclists and drivers to be aware and take more care.
LLRRSP spokesman Jonathan Clarkson said: “Lighter evenings, drier conditions and warmer weather encourage more bikers onto our roads, particularly at weekends, and we’re keen to raise awareness to all road users about the risks and hidden dangers, particularly on many of our rural roads, to help reduce the number of collisions.”
He added bikers were also reminded to carry out basic but essential pre-ride maintenance checks on their machines especially if they have not been used during the winter months.