“It is my firm belief that the interaction with more than 3,000 riders over the 25 years has undoubtedly saved lives.”
That was the assessment of Paul Sanford, chief constable of Norfolk Police, at an event to mark 25 years of the county’s Safe Rider scheme.
Safe Rider is a joint initiative between Norfolk Constabulary and Norfolk County Council which aims to reduce motorcycle casualties.
The scheme comprises a series of downloads to keep, a two-and-a-half hour evening session and a five hour road session.
The course has been enhanced and updated throughout that 25 years, but organisers say the mixture of theory and practical advice, guidance and information delivered by serving police officers has not changed in that time
Attendees are introduced to the police roadcraft system – the cornerstone of police riding.
They receive a demonstration ride by a police rider, with the opportunity to have their riding assessed and receive constructive feedback.
Speaking at the event, Mr Sandford paid tribute to Andy Micklethwaite, who created the scheme in 1998 and continues to coordinate its delivery today.
Mr Sanford said: “It is my firm belief that the interaction with more than 3,000 riders over the 25 years has undoubtedly saved lives.
“I am proud of the police motorcyclists to have contributed to the scheme over the years.
“The golden thread that runs through the 25 years of successful delivery is Andy Micklethwaite, without his passion, commitment and knowledge the scheme would not have been the success that it is.”
This is well deserved recognition. I had the privilege of working with Andy for many years and he displays a rare level of commitment. His common sense approach and obvious passion for the safety of riders has made the Safe Rider scheme what it is. 25 years of consistent high quality scheme delivery is rare in our profession, an achievement to be proud of.
Iain Temperton, Norwich
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