Bike school closes
FLORA BYATT
ATRAINING school for bikers to learn how to ride safely is closing its doors after 20 years.
Valley Bike School, of Brookside Business Park, Rawtenstall was set up by Stuart Nelson in 1999, before he retired and handed the school over to fellow former police officer Joe Vaiders, and his then-partner Michelle, now his wife.
The school will be closing its doors in October for the last time, as Michelle and Joe are riding off into the sunset after 15 years, with plans to bike across Europe and for Joe to focus on his photography, after he gained a diploma.
The couple also hope to ●● visit Stuart, who is now living in Wales.
Joe, 65, said it will leave a hole in the local area when they close the school next month.
He said: “Michelle and I have really enjoyed it and we have met some amazing people.
“Michelle has also ridden bikes all her life and we have had dozens of motorbikes.
“It is going to leave a void in the immediate area when we leave.
“Biking is good fun, and it puts a smile on your face. I was fortunate enough to do my advanced motorcycle training, as I was in the police force for 30 years, as was Stuart. We were both police officers, and it was a natural progression.”
Down the years Valley Bike School has focused heavily on safety.
Much like with learning to drive, aspiring motorcyclists have been able to come to the school, be taught how to ride, then be taken for their test.
Joe added: “From the start, the ethos of teaching has been safety.
“Motorcyclists are amongst the most vulnerable of road users, and providing them with the skills to make them safe has been the aim.
“We have to ●● teach observation and planning - those are key skills to keep yourself safe. It’s even more important on two wheels because - unlike a car - you haven’t got a cage around you to keep you safe.”
Joe and Michelle are holding an ‘End of an Era’ event for former users of the training school, at Rossendale Sports Club, Marl Pits on Friday, October 4. Those who wish to be added to the invitation list can text their name to 07740 195921.