We have the roads, you have the bike but do you have the riding skills to match. As the song goes "Two out of three ain't bad", but unless you have the riding skills to match your bike your are asking for a spill.

Bikes are faster, handle better and look great. However, a top-class bike deserves a top-class rider. By learning important skills you stand a better chance of keeping your machine shiny side up.

To address this problem, why not book onto a Bikesafe skills workshop:   

North Yorkshire Police is again offering motorcycle workshops as part of the force' s continuing drive to reduce road casualties, supported by the York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership "95 Alive".

Sgt Mason, the force's Bikesafe Co-ordinator, said: "It is a well-known fact that very few riders appreciate the need or are willing to pay for further training once passing their DSA bike test. We aim to bridge the gap between that basic skill level and the kind of further training that enables riders to combine tremendous enjoyment with a much higher level of personal safety." 

£50 will secure your place on the workshop. The majority of motorcyclists who hold a full bike licence will benefit from the workshop and are very welcome.

The workshop consists of two modules:

Module One (held on a Wednesday evening between 7pm & 9.30pm) at Thirsk Police Office, Thirsk Industrial Park, Thirsk, YO7 3BX.

This is an informal presentation involving the use of an interactive Bike Safe DVD. This workshop will look at the essentials such as improving observation skills, slow speed control and how to position and read bends correctly. Statistics show that failure to negotiate bends is a significant factor in collision causation. Riders will leave the workshop with the skills enabling them to enjoy bends rather than guessing how tight they are! If you have any questions about riding, we will answer them.

Module Two (held on a Sunday morning between 10am & 1pm) starting from Thirsk Police Office.

This is a two-hour assessed ride where you will be followed by  an Advanced rider over a scenic route which includes various types of roads and hazards. This will enable you to practice the tips given on Module One. At the conclusion of the ride, you’ll get a tactful debrief on your ride and any areas which may need polishing up will be gently pointed out. This advice is reinforced with a written assessment sheet covering all elements of the ride and outlining any areas for improvement.

You will receive a goodie bag containing  a copy of Motorcycle Roadcraft, the Highway Code, two motorcycle DVD 's and a Bikesafe neck buff.

As if all this isn’t enough to make you rush out and book some further rider development, you will also receive a £50 discount voucher towards further training with accredited providers.

Bikesafe Workshops for the 2008 season are on the following dates:

Module 1                                     Module 2

                                                                                       
  16th April                                      20th April
    7th May                                      11th May
 18th June                                      22nd June
 16th July                                       20th July
 13th August                                  17th August
  3rd September                              7th September

Places are limited so to avoid disappointment it is advised to book early. To reserve your place or for further information, please contact:

Sgt. Pete Mason on 01904 618870 or email northyorkshirepolice@bikesafe.co.uk

Castle Motorcycles Sponsor BikeSafe North Yorkshire

The Honda is part of a sponsorship deal with Castle Motorcycles of Castleford. This very generous offer is a major boost for the campaign and we are very grateful to Mark Kelly of Castle Motorcycles.

The SP2 is a fabulous machine which turns heads where ever it goes. Quite simply, where ever we park it motorcyclists will come for a closer look and a chat with the lucky people with it.

The majority of bikers want to enjoy their riding and we are keen to help make their experience a safer one.