Great start for North Wales BikeSafe workshops
BikeSafe workshops are back in action for North Wales Police, along with attending events promoting motorcycle safety and enjoyable riding.
We joined North Wales Fire and Rescue Service with other organisations as part of their Biker Brew at Rhug Organic Estate. The day saw mixed weather, but we had brisk and steady stream of bikers and drivers dropping in during the day. Rhug sitting on the A5 is a crossroads location for bikers and drivers heading into differing parts of North Wales, so lot of attendees were out-of-area visitors, but every bit of knowledge passed on helps us all. It also helps that Rhug does cracking food!
Our first workshop of the year at our Colwyn Bay Force HQ took place o 18 April, led by Sgt Simon “Si” Hughes. It was a good humoured and entertaining day with a lively bunch of attendees. Lots of questions and contributions from the group and some new KSI stats from Si which extended the morning session a wee bit.
Initial feedback was very positive in that everyone all took some beneficial ideas away from the day’s experience.
With our first workshop of the out of the way, we are set up for the rest of the year. For workshops in North Wales visit www.bikesafe.co.uk/northwales . Unfortunately, our 13 May workshop in Wrexham is full, but we do have some availability on 23 May at Colwyn Bay. If you can’t make it to North Wales there will be a Force near you offering workshops.
I have in the past been asked what the format of a North Wales Police BikeSafe Workshop is. The morning session is led by NWP RCU experienced rider. We follow the BikeSafe syllabus, with the day consisting of:
09:00 – Registration and document check
09:30 – Theory session on the 5 ‘causation factors’ and solutions
12:45 – Break (lunch not provided)
13:30 – Observed ride of approximately 60 miles
16:30 – Return and de-brief with written assessment provided
16:45 – Coordinator address and issue of safety pack
What does that actually mean? You get a presentation by a passionate and highly experienced rider on the areas of riding that generally contribute to incidents, the RCU Rider will be supported by one of the highly experience NWP BikeSafe Volunteer Observers. You get the opportunity to ask questions and get involved in debates (time allowing). Lunch typically involves more chatting and discussions.
For the afternoon session the attendees are split into twos, based on their riding experience, bikes, etc and paired with one of the Volunteer Observers. The observed ride is approximately 60 miles through North Wales, although the actual distance ridden by each group is dependent on many factors. There are plenty of stops for discussions and observations before heading back.
Come along – we want you to have the best riding experience.
