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Not so easy riders

From the archive, first published Wednesday 11th Feb 2004.

Motorcyclists in North Devon are being offered the chance to boost their riding abilities and improve their safety.

The North Devon Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Advanced Drivers Association, the Institute of Advanced Motorists in Barnstaple and North Devon Advanced Motorists are starting advanced motorcycle courses specifically designed for riders who wish to improve their road skills, confidence and safety.

In 2002, motorcyclists made up only 2 per cent of all traffic, yet they accounted for a quarter of all fatal accidents in Devon. In total, 100 motorcyclists were either killed or seriously injured in Devon during that year. Advanced training is seen as an excellent method of helping to reduce these figures.

The courses feature classroom-based training as well as sessions out on the road taken by trained observers. All riders who hold a full licence and own a motorcycle that will comfortably hold the maximum motorway speed of 70 mph are being encouraged to take part.

As well as improving their own skills, the course will also look at advanced techniques such as spotting hazards which will help riders compensate for a lack of skills of other road users.

Devon County Council is keen to help support these groups as part of the ongoing safety campaign, 'Bringing Bikers Out Of The Blindspot', and will be providing resources such as safety equipment for the courses.

Keith Rowles, Motorcycle Training Officer for RoSPA North Devon said: 'We have now been successfully involved in training motorcyclists to an advanced standard for three years in North Devon. Both trainees and observers have gained an enormous amount of experience. The North Devon section is held in high regard within RoSPA, and offers a proven training package delivered by enthusiastic and experienced motorcyclists.'

John Hill, IAM Motorcycle Observer, added: 'We are pleased to have the backing and support of Devon County Council. This will actively assist us to improve the delivery, quality, and safety aspects of our courses.'

Executive Member for the Environment, Councillor David Morrish, said: 'We're incredibly fortunate in Devon to have high standard riding groups like this and we will look to support them where possible'.

The RoSPA motorcycle course starts on Tuesday 24th February at North Devon College, Room E147 at 6.45pm. For further details contact Keith Rowles on 01271 328702 or Mark Knibbs on 01271 376287.

The IAM Motorcycle course starts on Saturday 6th March. For further details contact John Hill on 07811 628542 or email: johnjspservices@aol.com

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