Safe riding

See also Training and Further Training.

Spot the hazards

Accidents don't 'just happen'. Accidents are caused by ignorance, complacency and poor judgement. It is no surprise then that statistics show that the young and the inexperienced are the ones most at risk. In riding a motorcycle, there is always an element of risk. The vital element in reducing that risk is professional training.

Our instructors

At Bikes "R" Safe all our instructors are chosen because they have demonstrated a safety record second to none. They have adopted the principles enshrined in safe biking that have been developed over the years by professional motorcycle riders, which form the foundation of the training programmes that we use today.

Our instructors are regularly monitored not only by ourselves but also by DSA examiners who are looking to ensure that all training is delivered in accordance with the DSA's own regulations. All this means that whichever instructor teaches your course, your training will be conducted with enthusiasm and also to the highest possible standards.

Compulsory Basic Training - safety from the start

Statistics show that the young and the inexperienced are those most at risk on the road. Compulsory Basic Training was introduced as a response to these figures. Since its introduction in 1990 there have been dramatic improvements in the safety of those new to biking.

CBT is very much a learning experience (we all have something to learn). By completing CBT with us you will already have shown you have the ability to ride safely. You are now ready to learn more. There is no substitute for time in the saddle, and this combined with further training will increase your understanding, your confidence, your enjoyment of the adventure of Safe Biking for Life.

Defensive riding

Every other road user you see may be tired, hungover, depressed and talking on their mobile phone. In a collision between a car and a motorcycle, the motorcyclist is likely to come off worst. Since other road users may not be alert or paying attention to what's going on around them, it is up to you to be aware of others.

Defensive riding means:

• Knowing what's going on around you
• Being aware of possible hazards before they turn into imminent accidents
• Knowing how you could get out of a situation that's turning nasty
• ... and acting when you need to

"I just didn't see you"

Approximately 75% of accidents are caused by cars driving into bikes, e.g. at right-hand corners or junctions out of minor roads. The classic excuse, as you look up painfully from the mangled wreckage of your machine, is "Sorry mate, I just didn't see you". So be visible!

You can make yourself more conspicuous by:

• Wearing light-coloured clothes and helmet
• Wearing fluorescent or reflective material
• Having your light on a dipped beam, even during the daytime

Bikes'R'Safe ensure that all our trainees watch the DSA's instructional video, "I just didn't see you".

Refresher training

Back to biking after twenty years in a car? Modern bikes are faster, more powerful and quieter than what you used to ride. These factors can affect your judgement. Especially in the first few weeks back on two wheels, when you are polishing up your skills again, your chances of an accident are high. A few hours of refresher training might save you months in traction or worse!

Safe Biking for Life

Everyone is different! Over the years, we have been asked for many different types of advanced/refresher training. We believe correct training needs to be identified with the individual on a one-to-one basis to establish the needs and levels of that individual. We have developed a rider training programme called "Safe Biking for Life". This course is tailored to the individual, enabling you to get the very best out of your machine and reduce your chances of being involved in an accident. We conduct an initial one-hour assessment ride and produce a comprehensive written report of your strengths and weaknesses, enabling us to provide the best possible training for you.

What does "advanced riding" mean to you?

We all dress differently we are interested in different things; we ride different bikes, sports bikes, customs, mopeds, in fact we are individuals. We all have different levels of experience and therefore require a training course that is personally tailored. Bikes R Safe Ltd is very proud to announce the launch of "Safe biking for life".

A tailored course

Riders will be shown our presentation and then given the option of attending an assessed ride this will consist of a ride out over a carefully planned route with a highly experienced assessor on a 1-1 basis.

The assessment route should expose weaknesses and strengths in their riding ability.

The ride will last for approx 1hr and will take in a variety of different road and traffic situations.

All assessment rides will be carefully documented with the assessor pausing to record verbal notes during the ride in order to create a comprehensive written report.

Our aim is to identify rider faults and then create a strategy of training to rectify problem areas. Serious weaknesses will be noted on the report with a strong recommendation that training is taken up as soon as possible.

The report will become a way of not only identifying weak areas but also strengths. Very specific courses can be formulated from these reports ensuring that you receive the training that is right for you.

Questions and answers

How long is going to take and how much is it going to cost?
Our course will list your personal requirements for training and suggested course structure prioritising areas of weakness. It's very difficult to accurately predict the number of hours required to deal with these identified areas, however high priority areas which have been identified should be dealt with straight away. Training costs are flexible because you can decide how much and what type of training you would like to receive at any given time. This modern approach means it does not expel anyone from improving their skills regardless of what machine they may be riding.

Will my assessor be my Instructor?
No, once assessed your report will be carefully studied and a training strategy will be identified by another qualified instructor enabling them to prepare and deliver suitable training to deal with the areas of weakness in your report.

When will I receive my report?
Reports will be sent to the rider as soon as possible (1 week)

Who will my conducting my training?
All training delivered will be given by highly experienced instructors from Bikes R Safe Ltd who are skilled at delivering motorcycle training in a professional, friendly, informative style.

Will my training be based on Road craft?
Yes the police rider's handbook will form the basis of your instruction.

Will I have the same instructor for each lesson I take?
Yes wherever possible you will have the same instructor.

How can I gauge how well I am doing?
Your instructor will be monitoring you closely and giving feedback.

Having carried out some or all of my training can I be re-assessed?
Yes, being re-assessed should be the performance indicator; your new report should show significant improvement in many areas.

Will I receive a qualification at any point?
Yes, once re- assessed a second report and certificate of attendance / achievement will be raised. Our aim is to significantly raise a rider's awareness and skills and feel that recognition of this is important.

Will I get my Insurance at a reduced rate?
A Problem area!
Our own enquiries with major underwriters have produced interesting but not unusual results. Underwriters do not recognise some advanced motorcycling qualifications but leave it to the broker to look at the bottom of the quote and if the profit margin allows builds in an imperceptible discount. How do you feel and the broker allows no discounts and is not interested in any qualifications you have achieved but provides you with a cheaper quote than one who does!