Safe Rider Workshops – 

Improving motorcyclists’ safety on Suffolk’s roads

Motorcyclists across Suffolk are once again being given the opportunity to improve their riding skills and to enhance their awareness and ability while on the road at ‘Safe Rider’ motorcycle workshops to be held in 2023.


Safe Rider is a joint initiative between Suffolk and Norfolk Constabularies aimed at reducing the number of motorcycle casualties across the counties.


The day-long workshops began last week and run through to October, which are the months when it is considered the number of motorcyclists taking to the roads increases due to more clement weather. They are aimed at all fully qualified riders who want to improve their skills to become better and safer riders.


In an effort to encourage more riders under the age of 25 to take the course, they will continue to be able to attend for half price (£25), which will be funded by the Safe Rider scheme.


The first six applicants aged under 25 (who must be fully qualified) will be able to attend the course for free.


PC Simon Myall, from Suffolk Constabulary’s Road Casualty Reduction Team and who coordinates the scheme, said: “The workshops are designed to give motorcyclists greater awareness of the hazards they may face when out riding and to help them become better and safer riders.


“They are designed to bridge the gap between passing the basic motorcycle test and taking an advanced test and the underlying message of the workshops will continue to be that education is key, not enforcement.


“The under 25 age group – as the most inexperienced road users – potentially have the most to gain by attending and as such we are continuing to offer the 50% reduction of the course fee to under 25s.


“Experienced motorcyclists are equally encouraged to attend as it is always good to refresh your skills. All police officers who are advanced-level riders are required to have refresher training every three to five years.


“Relatives or friends looking for gift ideas for a loved one who is a motorcycling enthusiast, might consider booking them onto a Safe Rider course – in particular parents of young riders.  


"Reducing the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on the county’s roads remains a priority for us. We will keep doing all we can to make Suffolk’s roads safe for everyone.”


Safe Rider courses are aimed at riders living in Suffolk and are run with the support of Suffolk Roadsafe, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, Copdock Classic Motorcycle Club and Orwell Motorcycles.


Riders who do not reside in Suffolk are also welcome to attend, though it is recommended that they contact their home county’s constabulary in the first instance to see if they have any courses available.


The workshops cost £50 per person, or £25 for those aged under 25, and are held at Suffolk Police Headquarters, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich.


They are comprised of a theory input in the morning, with classroom sessions on the system of road craft, with particular attention given to positioning and cornering.


It the afternoon, there is an escorted ride out session with a Class 1 police motorcyclist. A maximum 3:1 ratio ensures an accurate and personalised assessment of riding performance. First aid sessions also take place in the afternoon provided by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.


The workshop dates for 2023 are:

 

  • Saturday 22 April

  • Saturday 20 May

  • Friday 23 June

  • Saturday 15 July

  • Friday 18 August

  • Saturday 23 September

  • Friday 13 October


For further information visit the Suffolk Police website:HERE
or if you would like to register for a course, call the Road Casualty Reduction Team (RCRT) on 01473 613888, ext 3722 or email: saferider@suffolk.police.uk


Anyone organising a motorcycle fete in the county next year is encouraged to contact the RCRT as they may be able to attend in order to promote the Safe Rider workshops.

First Principle security advice can be found here