The IAM is offering motorcyclists in England and Wales a free one-hour taster session with one of its qualified instructors.
The taster sessions are part of the IAM’s “ongoing goal to improve the riding and driving standards of road users across the country, and cut the numbers of those killed and seriously injured on our roads”.
Sarah Sillars, IAM chief executive officer, said: “This is a great opportunity for people to do something they have no doubt been putting off for a long time. Everyone gets into a few bad habits in their riding over the months and years, and this is the perfect opportunity to put that right.
“The free taster is an enjoyable low-pressure way of sharpening up those skills, pointing out any areas that need attention, and perhaps pave the way for taking part in one of our other courses.
“This is an unprecedented opportunity for riders, wherever they are in the country, to get a very valuable taster session by an acknowledged expert in the field.”
Running alongside the IAM’s taster session offer, the charity is also encouraging bikers to share their love of riding as part of its #BikeMoments promotion on social media.
The free taster sessions, which normally cost £45, must be booked by the end of September.
Sorry to appear cynical but are the IAM doing this for the safety of others or as an easy way of encouraging many motorcyclists to pay money to them for a course of instruction, sorry a series of assessments and advice. It also seems to me that as a charitable organisation with lots of spare money that a one hour session of advisement would ordinarily cost £45.00. That’s a lot for an hour of free time.
I know that recently they have stopped encouraging riding over the centre line to improve forward visibility and more recently they will no longer encourage or permit overtakes that would cause a candidate to exceed the legal speed limit. These are both good things but will they still follow the Police Riders Handbook and encourage riders and drivers to take up a close following on position in anticipation of an overtake of the vehicle in front? This position is not in the Highway Code as no doubt it is considered far too close and not in accord with Sect 126 Stopping distance or safe distance. Will they address that situation as well?
Bob Craven lancs….Space is Safe Campaigner
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