I did a Bikesafe rider training course yesterday

[tintin]

I went and did a bikesafe course yesterday at Bromley in South East London. This is a course run by the Police in an attempt to teach good riding skills and help prevent accidents. The instructors were all advanced motorcycle officers. The day started with a couple of lectures about road deaths and accidents (to get your attention), 1 in 4 traffic deaths in London involves a bike. We then had a lecture about 'the method' which police use to ride, road positioning, forward planning and so on. Our first ride was for about 40 mins, 1 police officer to 2 students, each of taking turns at the front followed by a de-brief. It was very odd riding along with a copper 30 feet behind you. Speed was kept to a sensible limit and you didn't take the risks you would normally.

After Lunch we went out for a longer ride, about 1.5 hrs, this was down through Edenbridge and the surrounding area. I did rather well, but had to admit that I knew the roads fairly well, having previously lived in the area for several years. The weather was pretty grim and the policeman and other rider, who was on a Fireblade, were complaing about the lack of rear grip. I can report that "Super Tunono" had no such problems and I only span the back once when I tried to corner on a large cow pat! In the afternoon session I started to relax, increase the speed and enjoy the ride more.

After another debriefing we were shown a short presentation on motorcycle theft and security followed by three accident investigation reports. This was sobering as they showed images of actual accidents where motorcyclists had died. We also got the chance to quiz them about such things as favourite hates - people on mobile phones, jumping red lights, using the other side of the road at traffic islands, really small number plates. Things that came out as being generally OK were - black visors, using bus lanes (stay in the 1st third), exhaust cans that were loud but not TOO loud, filtering.

All in all it was a good day and I would recommend it although I would have liked some more heavy town riding which is what I mostly do. I would say that it is mainly aimed at born again bikers who lack a bit of common sense and attempt to kill themselves at the weekend when out with their mates. It would be a good thing for anyone who is a bit nervous on their bike or would like to learn more about riding skills and safety. They run these at different sites around the UK website is:
https://www.bikesafe.co.uk/

As one of my mates said, "it's just like riding your bike - only slower"
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The older I get the better I was

[Suzuki]

Are they expensive?
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<Simple> no I'm shaven Jon
<Simple> it is a big enough hole.. I'll leave it now
Ride: 1999 Suzuki GSXR600 (yellow/black) IRC: Stats - Relationship Map

[Chriss]

Most are around £40.
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TheShaggyDA: I've got 3 or 4 pairs that predate my wife, so at least 11.5 years old.

[phill.c]

wonder if these drop your insurance?
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CBR400RR the funs started - Honda MTX 125 ongoing project when i can be arsed

[beeblemaster]

Seems rather interesting and probably worth doing every 12-24 months just to have someone telling you you're riding right or wrong.

I notice the events and costs differ with each constabulary, e.g. my nearest would be West Midlands or Staffordshire. West Midlands is a two-day course for £90, whereas the Staffordshire event takes about an hour and is free.
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Current Bike(s): Yamaha TDM 900 (2004), Honda CX 500 Custom (1981), Yamaha XJ600S Diversion (1995)
Previous Bike(s): Yamaha XJ600S Diversion (1998), Yamaha SR 125 (1996)

[Chriss]

[tintin]

It cost £30 - part subsidised by Transport for London (Thanks Ken)
Carol Nash and Bennetts will give you an insurance discount if you have taken the course.
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The older I get the better I was

[mrchips]

PSNI do a free one, I am gonna do it next summer. Did you get the certificate and all?
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Northern Irish? www.nibikers.com

[-Ali-]

are there any links to show where they happen? what bike and test do you have to have to to it?

[The Tot]

If you're in london, www.bikesafe-london.co.uk

Venues at the ACE - if you're north of the border, or the Warren if you're south.

I did it on a provisional license and even then, i'd recommend it as they help you on stuff like filtering which is a must in london.

30 quid food is provided, the goodie bag i got comprised of a zip up folder (very handy for storing your documents in), stand plate for your sidestand, ear plugs, a couple of neat holographic postcards, the certificate of attendance and the reference numbers for the insurance companies which participate in offering discounts for bikesafe; AFAIK Devitt and CIA or it maybe Carole Nash - got to check again.

I thorougly recommend doing it, but i should tell you that this IS NOT a form of advanced rider training. It helps you stay alive that bit longer instead by addressing where, when and how things go wrong and how to avoid them.

Do a search on previous threads on bikesafe and you'll see how other's found the course
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The Tot 2019 Z1000SX - 2007 R1
Never argue with autism

[biketeacherda...]

Lets be clear about this bike safe is not a training day more of an information day to educate the motor bike rider.

In no way do they attempt to teach anything, the reason for the rides is to assess you and give some advice as to what you can do to improve which is why at the end they tell people to seek proper training from an organisation or instructor.

Yes its a good day, yes its cheap. TFL subsisdise it which is why it is cheaper than most other forces around the county.

Katrina, Bud and all the team there do a great job so lets hope the funding lasts.
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www.dgridertraining.co.uk