The rumour mill is leaking news that Thames Valley Police (covering Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire) have been given approval to take part in the national Bikesafe initiative, typically one-day sessions as a 'taster' of advanced rider training. Until now they've been a noticeable 'hole' in the UK coverage map of areas providing it.
The sessions are likely to start next year, and cost £75. With the recent news that TVP are likely to be losing many officers over the next few years and with their 'traffic' division merging with Hampshire's - and further manpower cuts, this introduction of Bikesafe is somewhat surprising!
What, perhaps, makes this all the more amazing is that Thames Valley police were involved right at the start of Bikesafe back in 2000, including this video featuring the late Phil Curtis, a legendary character, police motorcycle instructor and experienced racer, and some bloke called Troy Bayliss (whatever happened to him?):
More about Bikesafe:
http://www.bikesafe.co.uk/Index.aspx
‘BikeSafe’ is a nationwide police-led motorcyclist casualty reduction initiative that is run by the majority of forces throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The scheme in various guises has been in existence for many years. There are presently 43 forces in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland participating. Large numbers of riders attend ‘BikeSafe’ sessions annually. ‘BikeSafe’ works toward Government casualty reduction targets in an effort to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured in road collisions.
‘BikeSafe’ strategy is to engage with post-test riders in a conflict free environment to consider and analyse why motorcycle crashes are happening, including the attitudinal and motivational issues. There are fewer causes than you might imagine with five strong themes emerging throughout the country. Filtering, junctions, cornering, overtaking and group riding are the problem areas. Really obvious things seem to be placing everyday riders in life threatening scenarios.
In the classroom, ‘BikeSafe’ can offer potential solutions to the most prevalent crash causes and thereafter, following an observed ride element, prepare an individual rider development report which can be taken to a post-test training provider. ‘BikeSafe’ is about ‘Bridging the Gap’ into accredited training.
Fast approaching . . .
The National Bikesafe Event
http://www.bikesafe.co.uk/News/Article/National-BikeSafe-Event.aspx
A great family day out on the 4th September 2011. 10am – 5pm at The Heritage Motor Centre, Junction 12, M40. Entry into the event is free. Museum admission prices apply. For more information http://www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk/ or call 01926 641188
If you ride a motorbike or scooter this is the show for you!
• Manufacturers/dealer bikes
• Motorcycle clubs
• Motorcycle stunt riders and displays
• Try before you buy scooter arena
• Observed rides available - conditions apply
• Motorcycle clothing and accessories
• Refreshments
Information flyer (pdf):
https://www.bikesafe.co.uk/Uploads/ContentPages/CMS/Documents/National%20Event%20flyer%202011.pdf
And finally . . . (as they used to say on all the best TV news broadcasts), this isn't from Bikesafe:
I think they meant 'bike save'!
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