Evaluation report highlights BikeSafe as a ‘credible, valued, and impactful rider development intervention’
A detailed evaluation of BikeSafe has highlighted its role in supporting rider development, hazard awareness, and safer riding.
BikeSafe is a national initiative that offers motorcyclists access to post-test training with advanced police motorcyclists to equip them with additional skills designed to help them stay safe on the roads.
The evaluation, conducted by Dr Elizabeth Box of ECM Research Solutions and funded by The Road Safety Trust, was commissioned during the 25th anniversary of the police-led rider improvement scheme.
It found that BikeSafe is associated with positive short-term changes in rider confidence, hazard perception, and safer riding practices, and that although evidence of long-term outcomes remains limited, the scheme is well positioned to continue contributing to safer riding as part of the wider road safety system.
Chief Constable Simon Blatchly, who leads the NPCC Motorcycle portfolio, said: “We know that BikeSafe is highly valued by motorcyclists as we always get very positive feedback from those taking part in workshops, so it is great to see that positive impact reinforced in this evaluation report from Dr Elizabeth Box.
“BikeSafe has now marked over 25 years of helping to give motorcyclists the skills to stay safe on our roads, but it’s important that we continue to move forward and develop the course. This is why having someone like Dr Box reviewing BikeSafe and providing a report and recommendations for how we can improve is vital.
“I’m grateful to Dr Box for the time she has taken to review BikeSafe and would encourage any motorcyclists who have not yet signed up to a workshop to get one booked in the diary now. It’s an informal and affordable way to refresh your skills and hone your craft.”
Almost 400 BikeSafe clients were surveyed during the research project, with key findings indicating that:
- BikeSafe is experienced as a high-quality, credible intervention, with participants reporting high levels of satisfaction, relevance, and trust in the programme and its police-led delivery
- The observed ride and personalised feedback are central to the programme’s impact, with riders identifying these elements as the most valuable aspects of the BikeSafe experience. The evaluation found that these components support self-reflection, hazard awareness, and safer riding decision-making, aligning strongly with established behaviour change techniques and BikeSafe’s underlying theory of change.
- Positive short-term improvements were identified in rider confidence, hazard perception, and self-reported safer riding practices following participation in BikeSafe.
- BikeSafe appears to function as a gateway into further rider development, with many participants reporting that they had undertaken, or intended to undertake, further accredited post-test training following BikeSafe
- Access and awareness influence participation, with cost, course availability, travel distance, and programme visibility identified as key factors in shaping engagement and wider reach
Dr Elizabeth Box, Director of ECM Research Solutions said: “Road safety interventions are often most effective when they create opportunities for reflection, insight, and behaviour change, rather than simply telling people what to do. The findings of this evaluation suggests that BikeSafe achieves this particularly well through its observed ride and personalised feedback, which riders consistently described as highly valuable and credible.
“The findings indicate positive short-term improvements in rider confidence, hazard perception, and some self-reported safer riding behaviours following participation. BikeSafe also appears to play an important role in encouraging continued learning and progression into further post-test rider training.
“While the evaluation was not designed to determine longer-term safety outcomes or directly measure collision reduction, the findings suggest that BikeSafe is functioning well as a structured rider development intervention and remains well positioned to support safer riding as part of the wider road safety system.”
Ruth Purdie OBE, Chief Executive of The Road Safety Trust, added: “Given the continued over-representation of motorcyclists in statistics for death and serious injury on our roads, this was a valuable project for the Trust to support.
“It has reaffirmed that BikeSafe is highly regarded by the motorcycling community and that the skills and knowledge shared at its workshops are valued and are helping to change riding habits for the better.
“I’d like to thank Dr Box for her thorough evaluation of the scheme, and I look forward to seeing BikeSafe continue to progress and help save lives on our roads for many years to come.”
The evaluation report may be viewed on The Road Safet Trust’s website at https://www.roadsafetytrust.org.uk/small-grants-awarded/bikesafe-evaluation
For more information about BikeSafe and to find workshop availability near you, please visit www.bikesafe.co.uk
