Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership is encouraging bikers to refresh their skills and to upskill at the start of the season by signing up for a one day Warwickshire Bikesafe and a Biker Down workshop.

The request follows on from a successful ‘Project Edward’ safety themed biker event on 2 April at Caffeine & Machine attended by over 120 riders.

The first BikeSafe course of the year takes place on Sunday 16 April with courses also on Sunday 30 April, and Sunday 14 May in Leek Wootton. Spaces are limited, so anyone interested is encouraged to book a place ASAP to avoid disappointment. There is also a wait list so please add your name as further dates will be released very soon. To book, please visit bit.ly/3e9Yl8Y More information about the course is available on www.bikesafe.co.uk

On Saturday 13 May, BikeSafe will also be at Blades Motorcycles in Stratford upon Avon where the team will be offering mini assessed rides and both BikeSafe and Biker Down will be at Rugby Bike Fest on 21 May later this year.

The reminder to bikers comes as part of the National Police Chief Council’s 2 Wheels campaign between 10-23 April 2023 and National Fire Chief Councils Motorcycle Safety Week  3-9 April that both aim to improve the safety of bikers as more people take to 2 wheels as the weather improves.

BikeSafe is a national police run motorcycle initiative that offers bikers the opportunity to spend a day learning from advanced police motorcyclists and experience a professional police observed ride with them to improve their riding skills, safety and enjoyment of riding their bike on the roads. Workshops cost £65 and cover areas including rider attitude, collision causation, cornering, positioning, overtaking, observation, braking, hazard perception and use of gears.

Regional Bikesafe coordinator, Sergeant Shaun Bridle said “The warmer weather is coming and most riders are busy preparing their motorbikes for the new season. The more skilled you are the more enjoyment you get out of your bike and the safer you are and that’s why we’re keen for bikers to brush up their skills and also raising awareness of the importance of progressing on to accredited post-test training.“

The enjoyment and freedom a motorcycle gives is hard to match, however riders know themselves they are more likely to be seriously injured if involved in a collision.

This is why Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service supported by partners including Warwickshire Police offers Biker Down.

Warwickshire Biker Down is a FREE three hour course delivered from a Fire Station that helps give riders an awareness of what to do if you are first at the scene of a motorcycle collision. The workshop is for new and experienced riders of all ages and is delivered alongside BikeSafe team members from Warwickshire Police. The workshop highlights what key things you can do to manage a scene, the science of being seen and also basic first aid which involves CPR and helmet removal. Workshops are run most months and can be booked through Eventbrite.

Darren Morris, Biker Down Coordinator said “Motorcyclists often ride out in groups and Biker Down offers bikers the opportunity to learn what to do if they are the first at the scene of a motorcycle collision.  Courses like Biker Down are really important because the actions taken in the first few moments after an incident can make a real difference to the lives of those involved.”

To book a Free Biker Down course please follow the link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/biker-down-warwickshire-free-course-tickets-140990701985 

As well as BikeSafe and Biker Down there are lots of online training videos available or books to help get you ready such as the Motorcycle Roadcraft or Official DVSA riding guide or have a look at https://www.think.gov.uk/campaign/motorcycling/

Please follow us on Twitter @WarksRoadSafety @OPUWarks and Facebook @WarwickshireRoadSafety @OPUWarwickshire

And Warwickshire Biker Down on Twitter @WarksFireRescue and on Facebook @BikerDownWarwickshire