Greater Manchester Police has become the latest force to introduce BikeSafe, a motorcycle skills workshop designed to improve road safety.
Launched in Manchester on 2 September, the workshops are delivered by traffic police officers and are centred around an observed ride.
Away from the road, the session also includes interactive presentations, discussions and safety advice.
BikeSafe aims to reduce the number of collisions involving motorbikes by further improving the skills, knowledge and hazard awareness of experienced riders.
Chief inspector Gareth Parkin, GMP’s Road Policing Unit, said: “Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users across Greater Manchester and far too many riders are killed or seriously injured on our roads.
“Eleven motorcyclists have lost their lives on the roads so far this year and that is completely unacceptable.
“We’re working hard to reduce that number with the introduction of BikeSafe, a new force measure that supports our wider operational work to reinforce rider safety and reduce casualties and fatalities.
“Motorbikes are powerful machines and failing to treat them as such can lead to devastating consequences. It is vital that riders remain vigilant at all times, pay attention to their speed and surroundings and to be aware of other road users at all times.”
More information and details of how to book on a BikeSafe workshop in Manchester can be found via the BikeSafe website.
Pat. they dont appear to want to work with bikes less than 125 cc as they cannot keep up with the nationals speed limit up to 70 mph or rather 60 mph around our country roads. Admittedly that’s where some 30% + of serious collisions and injuries occur but mainly on bikes with capacities of 500 cc and over. not small 125’s who make up the vast majority of motorcyclists injured.
If we train young newbies on small bikes correctly they will eventually become safer riders later. A stitch in time……..
R.Craven
+2
What a shame they don’t have around town training for riders of machines up to the capacity of 125 cc. They are missing out a vast majority of commuters and other riders who will remain untrained and still at risk.
Some of the most at risk riders as some 2/3 rds of all 2 wheeled collisions occur in urban areas.
M.Worthington
+5
Bikesafe is a great scheme, so welcome on board Greater Manchester police. But it is not all about big bikes and rural roads. Urban motorcycle casualties are also a major risk and many of those are riding bikes with small engines. The Bikesafe skills work for those riders as well.
Pat, Wales
+7