Bikers urged to take riding safety course

MOTORCYCLISTS in Halton are being encouraged to refresh their riding skills.

Biker Down courses are being organised by Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service (CFRS).

The free training course for motorcyclists of all ages and experience is run by bikers for bikers.

It offers riders the chance to learn practical skills to help avoid being involved in a crash, as well as essential first-aid training and advice on what to do should they find themselves first on the scene of a crash where someone is injured.

Two recent attendees, Kathryn and Guy Morton, put their skills to good use when they came across a motorcycle collision involving two bikes on the M6.

With one of the riders finding himself in a four foot ditch, Kathryn took control of the situation following the training she gained on the Biker Down course.

Kathryn said: “I checked the motorcyclist was conscious and breathing, and made sure the bike was put back into its vertical position without having to move the casualty.

“He was very distressed, and desperate to remove his helmet.

“Although not ideal, I convinced him to let us help him remove his helmet safely, while carefully supporting his neck and head – using the method taught on the course.”

Kathryn stayed with the casualty reassuring him and minimising his attempts to move his head until the paramedics arrived on the scene.

Paramedics then took control but they needed the bikers’ assis- tance to safely remove the injured man from the ditch to the ambulance.

Kathryn said: “A few days later we learned the casualty had suffered serious injuries but thankfully was in a good position to recover fully.”

The course has also recently enjoyed by three generations of woman, with the eldest in the family being 90 at the time she took part and thought the course was excellent.

Another group to take part on the course was a team of occupational therapists from Bury, their line of work takes them out onto the busy roads on a daily basis and all thoroughly recommend the course.

CFRS road safety manager Colin Heyes said: “We want people to enjoy riding their bikes on our roads but we also want them to be safe.

“We hope that by educating and informing bikers about the possible dangers on our roads, we can help them be avoided.

“Riders’ skills can fade considerably after a few months off their bike.

“The Biker Down course will equip riders with the necessary skills and knowledge to keep them safe on the roads.

“I fully encourage bikers to attend this free course, and refresh their skills before the motorcycle season begins in the spring.”

The next Bikers Down courses will be held at CFRS headquarters in Winsford from noon to 4pm on Sunday, January 28, and Sunday, February 25. Places are limited. To book a place email bikerdown@cheshirefire.gov.uk