Merseyside Police

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Merseyside BikeSafe

BikeSafe is a police-led rider skills initiative, working with leading safety organisations to help motorcyclists ride smarter, safer, and with more confidence. Our mission? Fewer collisions, zero fatalities, and maximum enjoyment on two wheels. Held at Mather Avenue Police Training Academy, BikeSafe is a one-day event packed with expert advice, practical tips, and an observed ride-out on great roads. Want more? There’s an optional second day as a taster session with IAM RoadSmart and RoSPA, giving you a glimpse into advanced rider training. It’s not just about safety – it’s about fun, meeting biker cops, and sharing the passion for riding in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Sharpen your skills. Boost your confidence. Love your ride.

Ready to take the next step? Book your BikeSafe day now

Day 1: BikeSafe Workshop – Learn, Ride, Connect

Your BikeSafe experience kicks off at Mather Avenue Police Training Academy with a warm welcome and quick admin checks (licence, insurance, MOT). Then it’s straight into an interactive classroom session led by a Police Motorcyclist. Using videos and real-world examples, we’ll explore advanced riding techniques from the Police Roadcraft manual and discuss the common causes of crashes – and how to avoid them.

We’ve added something extra: First Aid for Bikers – First on Scene, giving you practical skills to help in an emergency.

There’s plenty of tea and coffee throughout the day (no lunch provided, so bring your own). In the afternoon, you’ll head out for an observed ride with either a Police Motorcyclist or an approved observer from IAM RoadSmart or RoSPA. You’ll get constructive feedback to help sharpen your skills and boost your confidence.

At the end of the day, you’ll receive a full debrief and a goody bag of useful items. You’ll also receive a certificate of attendance via email 7 days after the completion of the workshop.

Day 2: Skills Day – Take It Further (Optional)

BikeSafe is nationally offered as a one-day workshop, but Merseyside riders can enjoy an extra Skills Day – free of charge. This is your chance to put the techniques from Day 1 into practice and really refine your riding.

There’s no classroom session – it’s all about the road. You’ll spend the day on a guided ride-out with experienced observers from IAM RoadSmart and RoSPA, applying advanced riding principles in real-world conditions. The focus is on smoothness, safety, and confidence.

We’ll stop at a suitable location for refreshments (bring your own or buy on the way). At the end of the day, you’ll receive a written debrief from your observer with tailored advice to help you progress further.

Double the skills. Double the confidence

Introduction from PC Matt Disney

I’m proud to help local motorcyclists upskill through BikeSafe. With the support of our road safety partners, we offer a police-led one-day workshop and an optional second Skills Day, delivered by highly experienced observers from IAM RoadSmart and RoSPA.

I’ve been in the police bike saddle for over 20 years, and I’ve worked alongside Dave Rees for several years. I can confidently say you’re in very capable hands – whether you’re with me on Day One or with Dave when he leads Day Two.

Both days are designed to give you practical, real-world skills that make a difference. We strongly recommend continuing your journey into advanced training with IAM RoadSmart or RoSPA. Investing your time in these sessions isn’t just worthwhile – it could save your life.

Ride smart. Ride free. And enjoy every mile.

PC Matt Disney
Merseyside BikeSafe Coordinator & Police Motorcyclist

Introduction from Dave Rees

Hi, I’m Dave Rees,

I’ve been riding bikes and working in Road Safety for over 40 years. I helped launch BikeSafe on Merseyside back in 2005, and I’ve spent my career improving motorcycle safety – previously as Head of Road Safety for Wirral Council and strategic lead for motorcycle safety with the Merseyside Road Safety Partnership.

I’m a RoSPA Diploma qualified Advanced Motorcycle Instructor and an IAM RoadSmart National Observer, and I currently serve as Chief Observer for a local advanced riding group.

After 20+ years, I still believe BikeSafe is one of the best ways to sharpen your skills and discover how advanced riding can make you smoother, more confident, and safer on every ride.

Dave Rees
Merseyside BikeSafe and Chief Observer IAM Wirral