Matlock Bath event
Motorcyclists came together with emergency services and the partner organisations that support them at an event held in Matlock Bath at the weekend.
Taking place at the Grand Pavilion, the free event on Sunday 22 March gave riders the chance to speak to representatives from Derbyshire Constabulary, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service as well as Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership, the air ambulance, Mental Health Bikers, Blood Bikers, Derbyshire Institute of Advanced Motorcyclists and Bennetts insurance.
Riders had the chance to see and sit on the range of police bikes present, use Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service’s virtual reality headsets, learn more about the work of East Midlands Ambulance Service, support charities such as the air ambulance and Mental Health Bikers, and find out more about becoming a blood biker.
Discounts were available for those signing up to a BikeSafe course and attendees could also find out more about a new national campaign being launched by Derbyshire Constabulary aimed at keeping riders safe while enjoying Derbyshire’s roads.
Deputy Chief Constable Simon Blatchly, who leads the NPCC Motorcycle portfolio, said: “Matlock Bath is synonymous with motorcycles so it was the perfect location for this event.
“It was a brilliant opportunity for bikers to meet up with fellow enthusiasts in an informal setting and have the chance to learn more about the options available to them in terms of upskilling and how they can use their riding abilities to help others such as through the blood bikers.
“We had some fantastic conversations with people and it was wonderful to see so many families and children coming along and interacting with all of the organisations present.
“As a biker myself I completely understand the thrill and sense of freedom that comes with riding a motorcycle. I know that Derbyshire’s roads are hugely popular with riders and we love people coming to enjoy our beautiful county, but we want everyone to enjoy them safely and get home to their families at the end of the day.
“Anything we can do to promote upskilling such as BikeSafe courses is therefore vital and I’m grateful to all of those who gave their time to be at Sunday’s event.”
Find out more, and sign up to a course, at www.bikesafe.co.uk.
