STOP PRESS.....
ADELAIDE INSURANCE SERVICES ARE NOW OFFERING A 10% DISCOUNT OFF OF THEIR EQUITY RED STAR POLICIES FOR THOSE ISSUED WITH A "BIKER SAFETY AWARENESS" CERTIFICATE IN CONJUNCION WITH BIKESAFE AND THE PSNI

There is now also a 10% discount Baglux and Giali UK products.

Constable W. Holden
The Police Service
of Northern Ireland,
Mahon Road, Portadown, Craigavon, Co. Armagh BT62 3EH

Tel: Portadown 02838366109
email: psni@bikesafe.co.uk

Welcome to Bikesafe Northern Ireland

Bikesafe is an initiative run by Police Forces across the United Kingdom, with support from motorcycle industry partners, aimed at reducing the number of motorcycle related casualties.

Over 30,000 people on average are killed or seriously injured in the UK every year while using a motorcycle. Motorcycle users account for almost a quarter of all road deaths (22%). “Fatality rates per passenger are highest for motorcyclists, regardless of whether this is measured on a per kilometre, per journey or per hour basis – around 40 to 60 times greater than the equivalent rate for car users.” – Department for Transport – Road Casualties Great Britian: 2007.

Every motorcycle casualty is a death too many, and while there will always be an element of danger connected with riding a motorcycle, our mission is to work with the whole of the biking world to radically reduce this unacceptable waste of human life.

By passing on their knowledge, skills and experience, police motorcyclists can advise you on how to become a safer, more competent rider and help you avoid some of the most common causes of accident and death.
They can also help you to increase your ability and confidence, so you can get even more enjoyment from riding your motorcycle.

What You Learn

The Bikesafe initiative is based on professional riding techniques and is designed to enhance the skills of riders who have already passed their test.  Topics covered include how to control your bike, the common factors which lead to a collision and how to keep your bike security.

Good riders will be asked to use a ‘Riding Plan’, which poses a number of simple, but revealing, questions:

What can I see?
What can’t I see?
What is likely going to happen?
What can I do about it?

Although it is particularly suitable for riders returning making a return to biking after a period of absence, as well as sports bike riders, the one-hour assessment is also open to anyone who rides a smaller commuter bike or scooter.

One of the main lessons you will learn will be how to identify your mistakes and bad habits, their consequences and how you can correct them.

Bikesafe is not about learning how to pop wheelies or grind your knee slider into atoms – it’s about fostering a more responsible attitude towards your riding.

It is within the power of every motorcycle rider to do what they can to help reduce the number of deaths on our roads. Whilst it is our primary concern to help you achieve this, we also spend some time focusing on the positive side of motorcycling.

We recognise that motorcyclists are a passionate breed, and care deeply about their bikes and the enjoyment they derive from them. All we ask is that they care even more about preserving their own and other road user lives, so that they can continue to ride for many more years to come.

Ian Lougher Team Blackhorse Manager/Rider, Peter Dickenson Bridgestone Tyres,
Jeremy McWilliams Former Grand Prix Winner and Constable Bill Holden with
the Kawasaki ZX10 kindly supplied by Kawasaki UK for use by the BikeSafe team.

Free Assessment

All Bikesafe NI assessments are FREE, and are conducted by an Advanced Police motorcyclist, with years of experience behind them.
Bikesafe NI is a Rider Skills Assessment – not Advanced Training. That part is up to you!

Insurance Discount

Another benefit of completing the assessment is being able to enjoy cheaper insurance. Adelaide Insurance Services (one of Northern Ireland’s leading motorcycle insurance brokers) offers a 10% insurance discount to all participants who successfully complete the Bikesafe assessment. To qualify all you need to do is present your certificate.

Further insurance discounts may be available to advanced motorcyclists.
Adelaide Insurance Services are insurance providers to Institute of Advanced Motorists members through the IAM SURITY SCHEME. They can be contacted at 028 9033 0142 or bikes@adelaideinsurance.com.

Institute of Advanced Motorists

The IAM exists to promote safer driving and motorcycling. Passing the IAM’s Advanced Motorcycling Test will not only confirm your credentials as an advanced rider, but also entitle you to a range of discounts. The IAM have local groups whose members can give advice on advanced riding.

If you would like more information about training or taking the IAM motorcycle test, call 028 9263 8908 or log onto www.iam.org.uk or www.amni.org.uk.

The message will be simple during 2009:

Keep the Speed on the Track – Leave the Racing to the Racers!!!

If you think you would benefit from an assessment then give Bill Holden a call on 02838 366 109.

Bikesafe NI is a Rider Skills Assessment – not Advanced Training.

That part is up to you!!

BIKESAFE CALENDAR 2009

13 – 15 FEBRUARY MOTORCYCLE SHOW KINGS HALL, BELFAST

1 MARCH NUTTS CORNER RACE CIRCUIT, MCUI SIDECARS

21 MARCH TESCO CAR PARK COOKSTOWN

27 – 28 MARCH ALLENS HONDA PORTADOWN

17 – 18 APRIL PROVINCEWIDE HARLEY ANTRIM

24 - 25 APRIL T7 BALLYMENA

2 MAY GS MOTORCYCLES Hillsborough

8 – 9 MAY BELFAST HONDA

9 MAY EUROBIKES COLERAINE

11 – 16 MAY NW200 COLERAINE

15 MAY MILLSPORT BALLYMONEY

23 MAY ELIM CHURCH BANGOR

30 MAY SAM CONLEY M/C LONDONDERRY

6 JUNE MCNULTYS ENNISKILLEN

12– 13 JUNE HURSTS MOTORCYCLES, BELFAST

20 – 21 JUNE NATIONAL BIKESAFE HENDON LONDON

1 AUGUST OMAGH

12 SEPTEMBER BMW MALLUSK

12 SEPTEMBER HEIN GERICKE NEWRY

17-18 OCTOBER SUNFLOWER BISHOPSCOURT

Above events may be subject to change due to operational commitments.

Relentless by TAS Racing employee and double TT winner Cameron Donald is someone who has gone through the Bikesafe assessment, and speaks highly of its merits. He says:

“When I’m not racing the circuits in the British championship or participating in real road races like the North West 200, I’m back home in Australia where I ride my street bike every day.

“All too often I have come around a bend to find some loose gravel that has been washed onto the road, or an oncoming car that is using part of my lane, but unlike the racetrack there are no yellow flags! Even as an experienced rider, you can’t be too careful when you are out on the roads.

“Bikesafe teaches you to anticipate these unexpected occurrences and shows you how to deal with them. So remember to think ahead, stay focused and ride within your limits! And if you want to step out of your comfort zone and test your limits, save it for a track day!

“Even though I have been riding for such a long time I learnt quite a bit through Bikesafe about road position, all round observation and working to the speed limits.”

“The Bikesafe Team understand the thrill of being on a motorcycle – after all, why else would we do it? But the programme also teaches you that your safety while riding, and that of others, is of paramount importance.”