Frequently Asked Questions

BikeSafe ‘Bridging the Gap’ (BGT) is an extended workshop that runs over two consecutive days. Day one is a standard BikeSafe workshop (as defined by the workshop criteria). Day two involves handing over to supporting approved post-test training providers. These include:

• Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM RoadSmart).

• Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

• DVSA Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS).

• Post-test training from a recognised MCIA accredited Approved Training Body (ATB).

BikeSafe and Bridging the Gap (BTG) workshop participants are advised to bring with them their driving licence, certificate of insurance and if applicable – their MOT test certificate.

Participants will be asked to sign an indemnity, which includes a declaration of your legal entitlement to ride, that your bike is safe and conforms to the required mechanical standards and that you are medically fit to ride.

You have a duty of care to yourself whilst riding and some legal obligations. Please ensure that your clothing conforms to British Standards where required (e.g. helmet). Whilst legal requirements are minimal, we highly recommend that you wear full protective motorcycle clothing i.e. helmet, gloves, boots, jacket and trousers, as per our terms and conditions, BikeSafe staff can refuse to take a rider on the observed ride if they deem their protective clothing to be unsafe.

Riders must have conducted their own motorcycle safety checks before their Bikesafe workshop. . Petrol, Oil, Water, Damage, Electrics and Rubber (mnemonic POWDER) can help with remembering these checks.

The theory element of the workshop introduces the system of motorcycle control, hazard perception, cornering, junctions, overtaking, filtering and group riding. These are just some of the core elements of the morning session. The theory aspects take place in the class room and are designed to be interactive. As with most things, the more you put in the more you will get out of the session.

Whilst there is no mandated preparation required before attending a BikeSafe workshop, we do offer a resources section, where you will find useful supporting information (password protected – sent with your confirmation email). However, you can prepare in other ways. Ensure your pre-ride checks are complete and you have sufficient fuel in your tank for the observed ride. Come with protective clothing, suitable attire for inclement weather and an open mind. Ensure you are fit to ride and plan your route to the venue in advance to prevent any last minute rushing or getting lost. Some workshops include lunch, others do not – so bringing some money or a packed lunch is a good idea. Sometimes you will be given items to take home with you. Ensure you have somewhere safe to stow these for your return journey. If you need glasses for riding, please ensure you have them with you. An eyesight test will be conducted before the on road session.

Having an open mind, being involved with the workshop theory element and asking the questions you need to ensure your understanding will help maximise theory uptake. Try to relax whilst riding, as sometimes being observed by a police rider (despite knowing this in advance) can make people worry!

You can think of BikeSafe as a ‘neon sign’ – signposting you to the next stage in your riding career. There is always something else to learn and we would always encourage riders to carry on their riding education by going on to do some structured, approved post-test training. We will give you a ‘where next’ leaflet which will help, plus we will discuss some post-test training options with you.

Regardless of venue and Police Force, BikeSafe workshops are subsidised to a national standard price of £65 per rider. 

BikeSafe actually costs £250+ and covers staffing costs, venue hire (in some areas), fuel, vehicle costs, insurance etc. £25 of each booking helps towards local costs. £4 is termed a ‘national levy’ and is utilised to cover key national Police related expenses. £30 +VAT pays our national administration costs – covering the cost of full-time national administrators, plus such things as website design, hosting, booking technology, accountancy etc. The shortfall between the £65 and the actual cost of £250+ per rider is covered in a variety of different ways. For example, some Police Forces ‘absorb’ this cost, whilst others receive financial support from their local Safer Roads Partnerships. 

Check with the force you wish to sign up with. Some forces do allow pillions, but generally charge an extra £15.

Safety is paramount. While all workshop participants must ‘ride their own ride’, speed limits must be observed and obeyed in line with the Highway Code.

Before heading out for the observed ride, a route plan will have been prepared. This will be shared with you and explained. It may take in a variety of different road types. You observer will ensure you are happy with the route before heading out.

The police riders will not be giving a demo ride. Whoever takes you out for your observed ride will explain what they require of you and what to do in the event of other eventualities such as requiring you to stop. There is a possibility that you will follow the police rider if there is more than one person being observed.

BikeSafe workshops include an observed ride. While you will receive structured verbal and written feedback, this observed ride is not a test and nor is it a competition with fellow workshop participants. Feedback will be given respectfully and in a way which will enable participants to maximise their learning.

We do not use intercoms. Instead we will give you a thorough briefing and advise you of any hand signals that might be used.

BikeSafe workshops are delivered for the minimum duration of 5 hours and a maximum of 8 hours. BikeSafe workshops include two hours of classroom based theory. The recognised National BikeSafe curriculum will be delivered during the classroom session. Local and regional accident statistics and causation factors will be discussed. The on road element (the observed ride) will be a minimum of 1 hour in duration under observation. This is the ‘wheels turning’ time and will include briefing, debriefing and feedback as required. There is no prescribed maximum observed ride time but practitioners will be mindful of the effects of fatigue, weather conditions and the ability of the rider being assessed. A sensible approach will be taken by the practitioner and the riders welfare is paramount. Workshops may be run in a modular format, with the above criteria being included.

Some forces run workshops in slightly different formats, however the core theory elements remain the same. These are the system of motorcycle control, hazard perception, cornering, junctions, overtaking, filtering and group riding. Most forces run one-day workshops with the theory element in the morning and the observed ride after lunch. However, some forces split the theory session and the observed ride on separate days. Some forces also include a first aid element.