Knowing how to respond if you are involved in or witness a motorcycle crash can save lives. To help reduce motorcycle casualties, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) is offering free motorcycle safety sessions across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Motorcyclists who are injured at the roadside need to be treated with care to avoid causing further harm. The Biker Down course equips riders with essential knowledge, practical skills and the confidence to reduce risks on the road and respond safely and effectively should a collision occur.
Launching on 25 April at Havant Fire Station, HIWFRS will deliver 14 Biker Down courses over the next six months. Sessions will also take place at fire stations in Basingstoke, Cosham, Sandown, St Mary’s, Southsea and Winchester.
Biker Down is a nationally recognised training course developed by Kent Fire & Rescue Service, designed to reduce motorcycle fatalities and serious injuries. This tried and tested road safety initiative has been adopted by fire and rescue services across the country.
Sessions are delivered by dedicated volunteer instructors who are current or retired emergency service professionals and experienced motorcyclists, all united by a shared commitment to keeping the motorcycling community safe.
The completely free, three-hour course covers incident scene management, casualty care, and helps riders understand how they can be seen better by other road users. Everyone who successfully completes the course will receive a certificate.
The Biker Down sessions have been funded by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones. In addition to supporting Biker Down, the £10,247 of funding from the 2026–2027 Commissioner’s Road Safety Emerging Needs Fund will also help deliver road safety initiatives for young people in the community, improving safety for all road users.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said:
“Road safety is one of my top priorities and I’m happy to support any initiative that helps reduce serious injury and deaths on our roads.
“These courses will give motorcyclists and their passengers the essential skills they need to minimise the risk not only to themselves, but others.
“Every serious injury or death on our roads is one too many. Anything we can do to help prevent that has my backing.”
HIWFRS Community Safety Development Officer Alex Jansz said:
“Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users and knowing how to respond in the moments after a collision can be lifesaving. Our Biker Down sessions equip riders with the practical skills and confidence to protect themselves and support others. Thanks to the funding we’ve received, we’ve been able to reintroduce the programme and significantly expand delivery of these courses across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”
