Hampshire and Isle of Wight firefighters are saddling up to relaunch the popular Biker Down workshop this NFCC Motorbike Awareness Week.
The free training course run by bikers, for bikers, is open to all ages, abilities, and licence types, to give riders the confidence to respond if they find themselves first on the scene of a motorcycle crash.
The quick actions taken in the first few moments after a rider has come off their bike can be crucial in minimising injuries and make the biggest difference to the lives of those involved.
Biker Down course instructor and Basingstoke Watch Manager, Kevin Robson said:
“This free course is an excellent opportunity for local bikers across Hampshire and Isle of Wight to learn some vital skills that could save the life of a fellow motorcyclist.
“Even if you are riding as part of a group, motorcyclists can be vulnerable when it comes to safety on our roads, and you could find yourself the first on the scene of a fallen biker.”
The course, delivered at Basingstoke Fire Station, sees operational firefighters who have a passion for motorbiking and improving safety, share practical skills to avoid crashes, teach essential first-aid training and provide advice on what to do if you come across an incident.
The workshops had been delivered to more than 250 bikers across the county before the brakes had to be squeezed on the Biker Down programme in March 2020 due to the pandemic.
But the HIWFRS team have been revving up for the return of Biker Down and are now pleased to share the dates of the next workshops:
- Saturday 7 May – 09:30 -12:30
- Thursday 16 June – 18:30 – 21:30
- Saturday 9 July – 09:30 – 12:30
- Tuesday 16 August – 18:30 – 21:30
Book your place by emailing bikerdown@hantsfire.gov.uk.
Despite motorcycles making up around 1% of vehicle traffic, in 2020 they accounted for 20% of road fatalities and 12% of road injuries in Great Britain.
Tony Crook, NFCC lead for road safety, said:
“Motorcyclists are over-represented in collision and casualty statistics nationally.
“With an increase in the number of people using motorbikes for both commuting and enjoyment, our aim is to encourage riders to do all they can to ride safe and ensure they do all they can to be visible on the road.”
For the latest information about course dates and locations please visit: Biker Down Hampshire on Facebook or email bikerdown@hantsfire.gov.uk if you have any questions.
