Bikesafe Scotland
Bikesafe Scotland is aimed at decreasing the amount of crashes involving riders of all powered two wheeled vehicles and increasing the riding skills of participants. The scheme is free and is open to all holders of full motorcycle licences.
The Bikesafe Scotland essentials
An applicant fills in their application form and is then given an appointment to attend at one of the monthly theory nights, applicants MUST attend a theory night before being allowed to take an assessed ride. The theory night involves a talk by the Road Safety Department on Safety Aspects regarding clothing, footwear, helmets etc. There is also a talk by a Police Advanced Motorcycle Instructor on observations, positioning of and general aspects of safer riding. A discussion/question and answer session follows.
Shortly after the particular monthly theory night, a police motorcyclist will contact the applicant to arrange a mutually agreeable time and place for the two-hour session with him/her. The applicant the followed on a route and assessed by the police rider who, at the de-brief at the end of the run, gives advice, pointers and observations about the riders about the riders ability, good points are also highlighted. The applicant is then sent in the post a Bikesafe Scotland Certificate to show that they have taken part in the Scheme. Addresses of establishments in their area, who offer advanced training, should the applicant want to take things further are also included.
All applicants’ machines and documents are checked for legality prior to going on the road. Speed limits are adhered to. There are several hundred participants in Scotland each year and interest in the scheme shows no signs of lessening. An evaluation of Bikesafe Scotland was commissioned by Road Safety Scotland - details of this can be found under Related Links. If you are interested in applying to take part in Bikesafe Scotland, contact your local police force.
Related resources
Videos
Motorbikes - Biking Tips - Overtaking
Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland instructional video for motorcyclists, to help them avoid the five most common motorbike crashes.
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