BikeSafe Wiltshire - Sept 06

[Cie]

There we were, me JVaughan and JB1, in Devizes, all day, getting some good lessons, advice and riding tuition from Wiltshire Police.

If you've not done one of these, you simply must.

Most of the information they give you, can be gained from books, but actually having experts there to question, without prejudice, is the best thing. The best part of the day is in the classroom, but there is a chance to be assessed by one of the Police riding instructors who'll give you lots of pointers. Perfect.

In Wiltshire it's free, have a look at http://www.bikesafe.co.uk/ to see how your local constabulary do it.

[Richie B]

I have applied twice by email to Surrey rozzers to do Bikesafe, and had no reply on both occasions.

Perhaps it's worth applying to Wilts as it's not far away. Anyone else interested?

[jvaughan]

Definatly reccomend this...

The classroom stuff was interesting all be it a bit brief. Its interesting to have the low down from police bikers regarding riding ( as opposed to stating the law to the letter ).
Loads of useful tips aimed to make riding safer.

As Cie says, the rideout with a Police rider was also interesting. when you get over the initial "oh my god, im being followed by a police biker" you start to calm down and remember what they teach you about positioning, speed and control.

Its also interesting to hear Wiltshire County Council's attitude to the bikesafe scheme

Definatly reccomended.

[Cie]

Mate, Hampshire plod also do them and are even closer to you.

You should complain to someone at Surrey, no reply is just not good enough

[jvaughan]

Taking it further ....

If anyone is thinking of joining the IAM in and around Salisbury ...

http://www.salisburyplainadvancedmotorists.org.uk/

I have a phone number too. the guy to contact is Alan Spicer on 07768653539

[Whealie]

Just got a commission to do all of these courses and write an article about it. So far the IAM and Rospa have offered me courses. I've been in touch with the local Bikesafe copper and am waiting for her to get back to me. Any others I should contact? Will take about four to six months to do all the courses and exams.
Probably fall off the day after I finish them all.

[Cie]

If anyone is thinking of joining the IAM in and around Salisbury ...

Yeah I'll be joining them, last time I had contact they were really busy

[anton88]

I would have thought about this, as i'm sure there are some good things to learn, but Essex police charge £60 for the pleasure.
How come u guys get it free

I pay enough in taxes, i'm not giving them another £60.

Ant.

[Cie]

Well what the guys said was that each fatality costs over £1m to the local council. So if they save one life then the course pays for itself.

I'd pay £60, it's worth it

[simon0bikes]

Id pay too, but surrey police did not answer my enquiries either. Frustrated!!!