96% of bikers who attended the National RIDE Scheme say that it will help them ride more safely, according to evaluation of the course.
The course, which is delivered by ANDISP (Association of National Driver Improvement Scheme Providers) is designed to increase awareness of riding behaviour and engender a positive and responsible approach to motorcycling. It encourages riders to examine their attitudes and motivations, their approach to risk and their beliefs surrounding inappropriate riding behaviour. The course employs a mix of information exchange, demonstrations and group discussion.
The report, Evaluation of the National Ride Scheme, was commissioned by Road Safety GB, Lancashire County Council Road Safety Group and Transport for London.
Overall, respondents were positive about the course. 96% said it provided them with information and knowledge to help them ride more safely; 95% said they are confident that they can apply what they have learned; 80% agreed or strongly agreed that the course helped them to identify their own bad riding habits; 75% said they had acquired new skills that will help them become a safer rider; and 82% said the course will change their riding.
Click here to download the report, or for more information contact Fiona Fylan.
I’m not sure that most of the respondents so far have actually read the report. It is clear in what has been measured, how and why and follows a clear, objective rationale. One look at the researchers involved will tell you that it is a reputable study.
The next step is indeed to track both attendees and the control group and report on their collision and further PTW offence records over time. But that is another study and report – for which funding and access to records will be required, any offers?
Honor Byford, North Yorkshire
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So a minor offenders are offered the chance to take a riding course instead of taking a fine and points on their licence. To “Pass” the course, and not be refered back to court for punishment, they must show that have listened and improved their riding and attitude. Towards the end of the day they are asked to give some feedback on how good the course is. I suspect that most will say that they have learned a lot. Can you actually call that evaluation, is it not just feedback?
Steve Jarrett, Norwich
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Agree with Simon on what would be a more desirable measure of success. Although it would be difficult and time-consuming to set up the systems to gather the evidence. I’ve recently learned that ACPO has a group to Quality Assure driver and rider training schemes, which includes input from 3 psychologists, so I imagine RIDE has been through this process?
Mandy Rigault, Oxfordshire.
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It would be good to see evidence of collision involvement or reoffending rates for those who have been on a RIDE course as that’s a good indicator as to it’s effectiveness. However it’s clearly a big step in the right direction as simply giving riders points and a fine is unlikely to change their behaviour beyond the short term, if at all.
Dave, Leeds
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This is only one course that is available, there are others.
I went on a course run by Cheshire Constabulary, in which one Grade 1 Instructor Officer led two riders on a days ride. The Officer in question paced the ride to our ages (both over 55) but that did not stop us pulling the wire. We would stop periodically and exchange thoughts and manoeuvres, and to swop who went as lead. A good deal of information was imparted, though I must admit that there were times when I was pushing the envelope harder than I would normally – and I was required to do this as part of the assessment – and ride at levels I would not normally ride at.
How much did I get from the day? (We travelled 222 miles around North Wales), I have to say not much. But my previous experience was of nearly forty years of riding, and twenty as a full time courier. Nonetheless, such courses are of enormous value to those wishing to improve. For those who do not, there might come a change of mind when something untoward happens, and they wonder why.
I think if I were a teenager again, I would treat a day out with the ‘Bill’ with curious cynicism. How that would change as the day wore on would be entirely down to the manner of tuition, and interaction with the instructor.
Derek, St Albans.
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Sorry to be pedantic but this report only shows improved intentions and a change in SELF-REPORTED behaviour. I would like to see a change in crash-involvement and / or offence rates for those attending the course.
The sample size was also very small (not many riders doing the course it seems) which should be boosted by riders caught on a speed camera.
Simon Hughes
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