Posted on Tuesday 24th May 2022
A series of training sessions to help bikers improve their riding skills is set to run throughout the year.
The BikeSense rider development scheme is being delivered by the Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership and is available to motorcyclists in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
The one-day course costs £50 per person and is available on set dates in Stoke-on-Trent, Burton and Cannock. Riders can also arrange their own date and time for a one to one session for £75, or two can take an ad-hoc session for £50 each.
Half-day taster sessions are also available in Stoke-on-Trent on 17 July (Ladies only) and 21st August. Riders with 125cc bikes are also allowed to attend the half day courses, including those on ‘L’ plates.
Courses are tailored for each individual rider and are delivered by experienced ex-police motorcyclists, DVSA trainers and advanced level instructors. The sessions cover a range of topics including defensive riding, hazard management, cornering and positioning and overtaking where applicable.
Speaking on behalf of the Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership, Helen Fisher, Deputy Police Fire & Crime Commissioner said:
“Thankfully, Staffordshire’s roads continue to be amongst the safest in the country, however motorcyclists still remain one of the most vulnerable road users.
“The partnership delivers a range of initiatives and schemes to help keep bikers safer across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. The subsidised BikeSense scheme provides access to affordable training and the feedback we get from people who have been on the courses is always very positive. If you’re a biker and you’re looking to lift your skills up another gear, I would urge you to get booked on one of the courses.”
David Williams, Cabinet member for Highways and Transport at Staffordshire County Council added:
“We know that rider error is one of the main reasons for incidents involving bikers, which is why the partnership runs the BikeSense course. The scheme has been running for almost twenty years now and it remains a really great way for bikers of all abilities to improve their riding skills and stay safer on the road”
Anyone completing the BikeSense course will be able to claim £50 worth of cash back from specified insurance companies. A further £50 subsidy off IAM, RoSPA advanced courses and the DVSA’s ERS scheme is also available to those completing the full day course. .
People can find out more about the courses at: http://www.staffsbiker.co.uk/bikesense/ or book a place by calling 0300 111 8012 or by emailing bikesense@staffordshire.gov.uk.