Northamptonshire's motorcyclists revved up for return of Police BikeSafe workshops

Northamptonshire Police has been swamped by bookings following the return of its popular BikeSafe workshops.

Covid-19 restrictions forced the Force to halt their one-day safety sessions aimed at serious motorcyclists back in March.

Seven workshops were pencilled in for September — and six are already fully-booked!

Some places are still available for the course on Sunday, September 27 and a waiting list has been opened for future courses.

BikeSafe is a national police-led scheme which aims to reduce the number of riders killed or seriously injured on our road by offering workshops for those who have passed their motorcycle tests and ride 125cc bikes and above.

Motorcyclists accounted for 17 per cent of the 42 fatalities on Northamptonshire's roads in 2019 despite only accounting for one per cent of road traffic.

Operating from the Wootton Hall Park HQ in Northampton, the full-day workshop costs £65. It provides both theory and practical sessions, with participants learning the advanced riding techniques used by police motorcyclists.

Trained assessors offer advice and guidance on a range of topics including hazard awareness, cornering, overtaking, junctions, group riding and filtering to ensure the riders have the skills to stay safe on the roads at the end of the course.

BikeSafe National Lead, Superintendent Kev Mulligan of Northamptonshire Police, said: “We have 34 police forces across the UK delivering workshops, some of which have been delayed starting up or have reduced capacity due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

“Where events are being held — such as in Northamptonshire , each workshop follows current Public Health England advice and regulations and are carried out under strict socially-distant conditions to ensure safety is assured.

“I am committed to holding as many BikeSafe workshops as we can to help keep our bikers, our roads and our communities as safe as possible. However, while safety is of course paramount, but that doesn't have to mean boring.

“The hints and tips riders take from us will see them getting more from themselves and their machines and I guarantee BikeSafe will be one of the best investments they will ever make. Not just in monetary terms, but they will leave with a greater knowledge and understanding of what it takes to be a good biker.”

For more information about BikeSafe or to book and sign up for a workshop, visit www.bikesafe.co.uk