The day before, I was so nervous that I nearly didn’t go
I’d heard positive things about BikeSafe from my DVSA instructor
Even though I only passed my Direct Access in July, I decided to book BikeSafe with Derbyshire Constabulary. This turned out to be a good decision. It was quite a whirlwind after having my first bike at just five years old, then doing nothing motorcycle related until the aged of 49.
At the end of April I passed my theory and motorcycle compulsory basic training (CBT). Then in May I passed my Module One, followed by a Module Two pass in July.
I’d heard positive things about BikeSafe from my DVSA instructor and it was something I was planning to do. I’d also been told that the Derbyshire Police BikeSafe team would be a good choice, so I booked my workshop.
The day before, I was so nervous that I nearly didn’t go.
The day before, I was so nervous that I nearly didn’t go. Thankfully, I pushed myself and my partner rode there with me as I was not familiar with the area.
The officers were Ade, Dave and Barney. The classroom theory session was fantastic, with lots of things that were new to me, being explained really well, plus I was able to ask lots of questions. Throughout this class, I learned so much more about how to give the highest priority to safety, without taking anything away from the joy of being on two-wheels.
After lunch we went out on the road for our observed ride. We had an odd number in our group, so I went on my own with Ade. At first I was quite nervous being followed by a police officer, but I soon relaxed and began putting into practice what I’d learned in the morning. I did fall back into how I was taught for my test a couple of times, but then it suddenly all clicked in to place. It’s difficult to express how liberating that felt, but what I can say is that I felt so much more confident and more in control of my motorcycle.
My feedback was constructive and I genuinely feel proud of myself
My feedback was constructive and I genuinely feel proud of myself, that I did not allow my nerves to stop me attending, and that so much learning resulted. I would recommend this course to anyone who rides a bike. It has changed how I ride for the better and I will book again in the future to see how I’ve progressed. Thank you so much to Derbyshire Police for such a valuable and essential day. Top marks to the officers – they were brilliant.
Louise Carroll
Attended Derbyshire BikeSafe, October 2023.
