Police Service of Northern Ireland
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BikeSafe in Northern Ireland
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has a long established relationship with BikeSafe. We are continuing to develop our programme, offering BikeSafe workshops that include a two hour classroom session looking at the key aspects of Motorcycle Roadcraft, followed by a two hour, on the road, assessment by an advanced police motorcyclist.
Supported by our partners – Local Policing & Community Safety Partnerships and working closely with the Northern Fire & Rescue Service, RoSPA, BMF and IAM RoadSmart, these workshops can help you become a safer, more competent rider and help you avoid some of the most common causes of collisions. They can also help you to increase your ability and confidence, so you can get even more enjoyment from riding your motorcycle.
The workshops are open to all qualified motorcyclists from experienced bikers to those returning to motorcycling after a few years absence and are especially useful for those who have only recently passed their test. Please see our FAQs for answers to queries about qualifications or suitable machines.
Workshops are delivered at locations across Northern Ireland, including Newtownards, Belfast, Ballymena, Foyle, Enniskillen, Lisburn, Omagh, Lurgan, Crumlin, Rathfriland, Armagh and Newry as well as a North West 200 “Special” in Portrush during Race Week.
BikeSafe workshop content
Our workshops get going at 09:45am, and you are encouraged to arrive early so you can grab a complimentary tea or coffee, get to know your fellow participants and have a chat with the BikeSafe Team. As mentioned, the day begins with a two-hour classroom presentation will cover the key elements of Motorcycle Roadcraft, The Police Rider’s Handbook, focusing on elements such as positioning, cornering and overtaking. This is followed by a short lunch break, with food provided by us. If you have any specific dietary requirements, we recommend bringing something suitable or using the local cafés or shops near each venue.
During lunch, you’ll also get a chance to meet your observer who’ll accompany you for a one to two hour ride-out, including stops for verbal debriefing or advice on the way. The observed ride will finish at a suitable location agreed between yourself and your observer and finally, you will receive a BikeSafe Certificate via email 7 days after completing your workshop.
Representatives from local IAM Motorcycling groups, BMF and RoSPA hope to attend all our workshops to provide information and advice on taking the next step to becoming an advanced motorcyclist.
Caroline Currie, Sales Director at AbbeyAutoline commented, “We’re delighted to host the BikeSafe workshop for another year. We believe that this is an invaluable initiative, equipping motorcyclists with the knowledge to become safer and more confident when out on our roads. We’re committed to ensuring that road safety education is a priority in our communities and we fully support the efforts of the PSNI in delivering the BikeSafe message.”
Gareth Hughes – Secretary, IAM N. Ireland said : “The Institute of Advanced Motorists in Northern Ireland (IAM) works closely with BikeSafe. We regard the skills that are developed in BikeSafe as the first substantial steps in Advanced Riding, helping to improve rider performance, safety and fun. We encourage the best riders that have the skill and flair to perform well at BikeSafe to challenge themselves to become Advanced Riders with IAM and possibly attain the highest civilian riding qualification in the UK & Ireland, a Masters in Advanced Riding.”
Jim Stewart – Secretary RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders NI added: RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders NI are incredibly happy to be associated with Bikesafe and its initiative to promote a safer riding environment. By developing and encouraging riders to advance their skills and achieve a higher standard of skills, our tutors will help you to become a better, safer driver or rider and to work towards taking the RoSPA Advanced Driving or Riding Test which is one of the highest available to the general public with results given at 3 different levels being Bronze, Silver or Gold and reassessed every three years to maintain standards. Examiners are independent from the Group and they have all been trained to Police Advanced Driving standards.
