The National Young Rider Forum (NYRF) has announced that the second National Young Rider Day will take place on Tuesday 1 October 2024.
Founded in 2023, the purpose of Young Rider Day is to focus exclusively on young motorcyclists aged 16-24 years, who typically ride bikes of 125cc or less.
As part of the day, events (both online and in person) are being hosted across the country to support young riders on their journey.
Young motorcyclists feature in more road crashes than young drivers, despite accounting for less than 1% of all traffic using the road network. It is the aim of NYRF to reduce the number of young riders killed and seriously injured.
The variety of events will culminate in a specially designed online event, for young people who could already be motorcyclists or are thinking of becoming one.
The Young Rider Webinar is being organised by the Warwickshire Safer Roads Partnership and registration remains open.
Cllr Andy Crump, portfolio holder for community safety at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Young riders are amongst our road users of the future and at 16 years old their lack of road experience and influence from other internal and external factors, can make them particularly vulnerable. It is therefore so important that they receive proper advice and guidance before taking their bike out onto our busy road network and this free webinar is an excellent opportunity to support them, and their families, so they can feel well prepared, confident and safe.
“I would encourage any young person who is thinking of buying a 125cc or lower cc motorcycle, or those who may have just started riding, to sign up for the webinar. We hope that it will support the large number of young riders in Warwickshire and keep our roads safer.”
The day has been scheduled to fall within the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s Young Driver & Young Rider Operation, which runs between 23 September and 6 October 2024.
Police forces supporting the campaign will be engaging with young riders to discuss important topics such as PPE, bike maintenance, Highway Code knowledge and riding while under the influence of drink or drugs.
Many of those subjects can contribute to a young rider being involved in a crash and police officers will be signposting riders to the NYRF website for further information.
Tom Hart, programme and education supervisor, Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, said: “Becoming a rider gives increased freedom but also increased risk. Gaining knowledge as well as experience is vital, and this webinar provides the support needed for new riders.”
Ahead of the day, the road safety sector is being encouraged to show their support for young riders.
Heidi Duffy MBE, facilitator of the NYRF, said: “This cohort represents the youngest, most inexperienced, users of motorised vehicles on our busy roads.
“Any extra help they receive will progress them to become better riders and drivers in the future.”
For further information please contact Heidi Duffy MBE at heidi.duffy@viaem.co.uk.
Comment on this story