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Safe Rider Workshops, Scheme visits Wattisham Flying Station
| Author: Suffolk Police | Published: 15th July 2019 10:17 |
Safe Rider Workshop
Safe Rider Workshops, Scheme visits Wattisham Flying Station
Motorcyclists are encouraged to sign-up for one of the final ‘Safe Rider' courses of 2019 and improve their riding skills, as the scheme was taken on the road to Wattisham Flying Station.
Safe Rider is a joint initiative between Suffolk and Norfolk Constabularies aimed at reducing the number of motorcycle casualties across both counties.
The two-day workshops run from April through to October, the months when it is considered the number of motorcyclists taking to the roads increases due to more clement weather.
They are aimed at all fully qualified riders who want to improve their skills to become better and safer riders.
Last week, on Wednesday 3 July, officers from the Safe Rider Team attended Wattisham Flying Station to deliver the course to service personnel on the base.
PC Andy Masterson, Suffolk Constabulary's Safe Rider Co-ordinator, said: "We were delighted to have the opportunity to go to Wattisham and deliver the Safe Rider course to our fellow public servants in the British Army. The day was well-received by all and we hope to visit again in future years.
"There are still three courses available this year which are open to all motorcyclists and I would encourage riders of all abilities to sign-up. We would also welcome any enquiries from any of our other armed forces based in Suffolk, or indeed any other organisations that employ a number of riders, whether they use a motorbike to commute to work, or as a requirement of their job.
"The underlying message of the workshops is that education is key - not enforcement - and they aim to give motorcyclists greater awareness of the hazards they may face when out and about to help them become better and safer riders and are designed to bridge the gap between passing the basic motorcycle test and taking an advanced test.
"However, I would still equally encourage experienced motorcyclists to attend as it is always good to refresh your skills. Indeed, all police officers who are advanced-level riders are required to have refresher training every three to five years.
"Relatives or friends looking for a birthday present idea for a loved one who is a motorcycling enthusiast, might consider booking them onto a Safe Rider course - in particular parents of young riders, with under 25's eligible for a 50% discount."
Safe Rider courses are aimed at riders living in Suffolk and are run with the support of Suffolk Roadsafe and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, with funding provided from Copdock Classic Motorcycle Club, along with Lings Motor Group and Orwell Motorcycles.
Riders who do not reside in Suffolk are also welcome to attend, though it is recommended that they contact their home county's constabulary in the first instance to see if they have any courses available.
The workshops cost £50 per person, or £25 for those under 25, and are held at Suffolk Police Headquarters, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich.
They start at 7pm on a Friday evening with classroom sessions on the system of road craft, with particular attention given to positioning and cornering.
The next morning, there will be an escorted ride out session with a Class 1 police motorcyclist. A maximum 3:1 ratio ensures an accurate and personalised assessment of riding performance.
First aid sessions take place on the Saturday afternoon provided by Suffolk Fire and Rescue.
Participants are provided with lunch on the Saturday and are also given a Safe Rider bag for life containing a number of useful items, including a flask, keyring and Parker pen.
The final workshop dates for 2019 are:
- August 2/3
- September 6/7
- October 4/5
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