2011
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New Ducati supported campaign rolls out across Sussex See the full story on pages 10-13
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Top tips, places to ride out and safety advice from the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership
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The Sussex Safer Roads Partnership (SSRP) is continuing its work to reduce road casualties across Sussex through structured programs of education and enforcement initiatives. Every year in the Partnership, we refine and develop strategies in these key areas to make the roads of Sussex safer, building safer communities by sharing the responsibility and engaging with members of the public - our greatest asset in the development of a safer road environment. We are funded by Government grant through the three local highway authorities, East and West Sussex County Councils and Brighton and Hove City Council. Other partners are Sussex Police, the Fire and Rescue Services from East and West Sussex, the Highways Agency and HM Courts’ Service. We are not funded by monies from speeding fines, which is a common misconception – all of this money goes directly to the Government. For more information about the work of the SSRP, please take a look at our website:
www.SussexSaferRoads.gov.uk
Safer Roads Safer Communities Sharing the Responsibility 02
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About the SSRP Introduction Who Can Ride What? Blood Runners Helmets Riding Tips Stay a Hero -Stay Safe Protective Clothing Ducati Further Training Ride Outs
)/-* 0 /$*) Sussex is a beautiful place to enjoy on two wheels. However, it’s a sad fact that both motorcycles and mopeds are massively over-represented in our collision and injury statistics.
riders – we’re not interested in ‘pointing the finger’ or singling out any riders; we simply want to work with motorcyclists to help them get the most out of our county and its roads safely. Excitingly, Ducati have come on board and will be supporting it at their dealerships throughout the UK. This is a significant endorsement of our campaign, and we’re delighted to be working with such a well-known and respected manufacturer. This magazine will give you all of the details about ‘Stay A Hero, Stay Safe’, as well as providing useful information about protective clothing and further training opportunities. We’re also delighted to be promoting the volunteer ‘Blood Runners’ service on page six and have put together a short list of some great places to ride out to as well. We hope that you enjoy this first edition of Sussex Biker – and don’t forget to let us know what you think of the ‘Stay A Hero, Stay Safe’ campaign by visiting our website: www.stayahero.co.uk. Neil Hopkins Communications Manager Follow us on Twitter (@SussexSRP) and find us on Facebook by searching for “Sussex Safer Roads Partnership”
While bikers account for only 1% of all vehicles on the road, nearly a quarter of all individuals killed and injured in Sussex are on two wheels. The Sussex Safer Roads Partnership has created the ‘Stay A Hero, Stay Safe’ campaign (www.stayahero.co.uk) to try and reduce this number. The campaign is meant to be non-judgemental and accessible to all 03
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The rules on who can ride what motorcycle, moped or scooter aren’t the easiest of things to understand. Hopefully the short guide below will give you enough information to choose your best route into life on two wheels. The course you choose will depend on your age, the type of machine that you’re planning to ride and how long you’ve been riding. '' -$ -. All moped, scooter and motorcycle riders must have completed their Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) as an absolute minimum before heading out on the road or taking further training. The CBT only lasts for two years – by the end of this period, it must either be renewed or upgraded to a full motorcycle licence. It is also important to remember that the CBT is not a test but merely basic training where you have to reach a safe standard before being allowed to ride on a public road. With this in mind, not everyone will be capable of reaching this standard in one day as we all learn at different rates (especially those who have never ridden a motorcycle before). The CBT training will be a part of all other types of motorcycle training. ! 3*0ʼYou can only ride a moped (up to 50cc and a maximum speed of 30MPH). You must have a provisional licence, display L-plates at all times, cannot carry pillion passengers and must not travel on the motorway. (Category P) ! 3*0ʼ) *' You have two options. You can either take an A1 or A2 licence. (Category A) The A1 licence is the ‘light motorcycle’ licence. You will take the licence on a bike 04
between 70cc and 120cc. Once you’ve passed the A1 licence, you can ride any machine up to 125cc. The A2 licence is the ‘standard motorcycle’ licence. The test will be taken on a machine between 120cc and 125cc and capable of at least 100 Kmh (62 MPH). On passing the standard bike licence, you will be restricted as to the bikes you can ride. While you could buy a big, powerful bike, you are restricted by law to 25kW (33 BHP) power output. This will mean a restrictor needs to be fitted. The standard motorcycle licence is valid for two years, after which time it automatically upgrades to an unrestricted licence (where you can ride any size/power of motorcycle). This means that, if you took a standard licence at 17, you could ride an unrestricted motorbike at age 19. ! 3*0ʼ) *' At this age, you can enter the two-wheeled world by taking any of the courses already mentioned, or you can take the Direct Access Course (DAS). (Category A) The DAS Course is taken on a motorcycle that outputs 35kW/47bhp and is usually a 500cc or 600cc machine. Once you have passed the DAS Course, there is no restriction on the size or power of bike that you can own and ride. You can also carry pillion passengers and travel on the motorway. */*- 3 ' # *-3 / ./ The theory test must be taken before any full licence test can be taken, but it does not need to be taken if you just want to ride a 50cc/125cc on L-plates, but is highly advisable to practice before your CBT as well as reading the Highway Code. /0-)$)" /* -$ $)"? If you passed your full car licence before February 1st 2001, then you’re allowed to ride a 50cc moped only, you do not need L-plates and you may carry passengers, but riding on motorways is not allowed.
However, we recommend that all those who are returning to riding – or taking up riding for the first time in later life – take an approved motorcycle test. Bikes and road rules have changed a great deal in the last 20 years and, by taking a full motorcycle test appropriate for the bike you want, you stand a much greater chance of staying safe on the roads. /0-) /* $&$)" /- $)$)" If you passed your test a while back, whether you have ridden recently or not, and if you want your riding checked, there are a number of schemes to ensure that this is done safely. The government introduced a register for all professional post licence trainers in 2008, The RPMT (Register of Post Licence Motorcycle Trainers) trainers who are on this register are: • Experienced • Have demonstrated they have the skills to provide quality training • Are checked regularly to make sure they maintain a high standard • Fully insured to deliver training For more info see; http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Learn erAndNewDrivers/RidingMotorcyclesAndMopeds/DG_4022666 There are also local riders groups that belong to either RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) or the IAM (The Institute of Advanced Motorists) who may also be on the RPMT and who are able to offer advice on post licence training. http://www.roadar.org/riders/test/index.htm http://www.iam.org.uk/the_advanced_programme/theadvancedprogrammeaskillforlife.html
Thanks to Steve Manning at ART Motorcycle Training for advice regarding this article. (www.artmotorcycletraining.co.uk)
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In the dead of night there are bikers navigating the roads of Sussex. They are the Blood Runners or Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers (SERV). They’re dedicated to making sure medical supplies can reach the people who need them. SERV transport emergency blood, blood products, X-rays, patient notes, laboratory samples and human breast milk to hospitals and medical facilities at night. The National Blood Service (NBS) doesn’t provide a standard delivery service for blood and samples between the hours of 7pm and 6am, at weekends or on national holidays. Hospitals can rarely afford the luxury of using couriers for long distance journeys. The volunteer service responds to approximately 3,000 calls per year saving in excess of £300,000 per annum. This allows re-deployment of much-needed funds for improved patient care and other essential facilities within the NHS. 06
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Volunteer bike riders work on a rota, generally working one night in fourteen, waiting to respond to emergency calls relayed via their county controller. SERV volunteers usually use their own machines and pay for the petrol themselves. Riders are on stand-by in many areas across the country, including: Hertfordshire, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and London. The counties work in partnership to ensure an efficient system delivery network to get the medical supplies to where it is needed as quickly as possible. The riders always follow a set route to reduce any delays or in case of any breakdowns. For more information about the charity, or if you would like to volunteer go to www.serv.org.uk
'( /. Collision statistics show that 18% of injuries sustained by a rider will be to the head area. In relation to a pillion, that figure rises a little, to some 22%. Since 1973, when wearing a helmet became compulsory, technology has advanced in leaps and bounds. Helmets are primarily designed to protect the brain first, with skull and facial injury prevention coming a close second. There are three principle sections within a helmet that helps it keep riders safe: The outer shell: This is designed to resist penetration and abrasion. This section is typically made from either polycarbonate plastic, fibreglass or Kevlar. The inner shell: The helmet’s impact absorbing liner is specifically designed to slowly collapse under the force of any impact, spread the force throughout the material and away from the rider’s head. This section is made from expanded polystyrene or polypropylene ‘EPS’ foam. The inner lining: The function of the soft foam and cloth liner next to your head helps to keep you comfortable and keep the helmet fitting snugly around your head.
" ' - ,0$- ( )/. '( / The helmet you wear must be marked with an approved, recognised, standard. You should look for: • ECE 22.05 – these can be identified by a capital ‘E’ within a circle along with a six figure approval number, starting ‘05’ • British Standard 6658, A or B – these have a conspicuous sticker applied to the helmet shell indicating compliance.
The approval marks may be located inside the helmet – either on a sticker underneath the lining or sewn onto the strap.
" ' - ,0$- ( )/. - 1$.*Whether you wear a visor or goggles (‘Eye Protector’), your eye protection must also conform to specific standards. You should look for any of the following: • British Standard approval marks (4110-X, XA, YA or ZA) • Council Directive 89/686/EEC as amended (goggles) • ECE Regulation 22.05 (Motor Cycle Eye Protectors) Regulations 1999 & The Personal Protective Equipment (EC Directive) Regulations 2002.)
The ‘Eye Protector’ will be designed so that it doesn’t shatter into fragments if fractured, and will be marked ‘shatterproof’. The ‘Eye Protector’ also needs to let more than 50% of visible light transmission through to be legal for road use. Adrian Short, Forensic Collision Investigator for Sussex Police, and a committed motorcyclist, comments: “In relation to iridium or dark visors, you will not know without having it tested whether it meets such a standard. In my experience of testing visors following collisions, it is unlikely that an iridium or dark tinted visor will pass such a test and therefore it is very likely to be marked ’not for road use’.” '( / It is most important that the crash helmet is cleaned and stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most come with a storage bag in which to keep the helmet. Store it in a cool darkish place when not in use, never store near to a heat source, nor in direct sunlight. A crash helmet will have a life span of 3 to 5 years, depending upon how regularly it is used. The intrusion of sweat into the lining and shock absorbing material will gradually degrade those materials, thereby reducing the protection performance of the helmet. 07
$.*In order to be truly effective, a visor needs to be kept clean, free from dust (which can be abrasive) and scratches which can impair your ability to see, especially at night or in the rain. Adrian suggests using a clean, soft cloth and warm soapy water to get rid of most surface filth, ensuring that the visor is rinsed first to remove any loose debris. Non-silicone polish also works well to keep the visor in top condition after washing. '( / # &'$./ • It bears a clearly visible label indicating ECE type approval • It covers rider’s forehead and brow
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• It doesn’t move, slip over rider’s eyes or put pressure on the rider’s forehead • Rider’s peripheral vision should not be obstructed • The helmet mustn’t cause pressure or impede vision to riders wearing glasses • Most importantly, it must be comfortable and be correctly fastened • Visit www.sharp.direct.gov.uk for a useful guide to fitting yourself with a comfortable, legal, helmet with the highest standard of impact rating
Thanks to Adrian Short, forensic collision investigator for Sussex Police, for creating this article.
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*/*- 3 ' *) $/$*) A bike that is serviced regularly and is in good condition can improve the enjoyment of your ride. If you have an annoying rattle from somewhere near the engine, it becomes a distraction from the road ahead. - - $ # &. Petrol…Oil….Water…Electrics….Rubber (tyres – tread depth and pressures). If either of these is missing from your bike when you set off, your day will be a little shorter than you planned.
# & /# 2 /# Whilst riding is a pleasurable experience, a downpour when you are furthest from home can mean a bleak ride back, if you haven’t packed a waterproof layer. # ) 2 . /# ' ./ /$( 3*0 -* ? If it has been a little while since you last time you rode, give yourself time to get used to your bike and the roads. ! /*++$)" $./ ) Follow the following golden rule: “Always be able to stop on your side of the road in the distance that you can see to be clear”. If you round a corner to find a large farmyard animal sat in the middle of the road, it is so much more reassuring to know that you will stop before you reach it. -*0+ -$ $)" Riding with your mates is a good way to share the experience. When you are in your groups and following others, base your manoeuvres on what you can see. If they
overtake, wait till they are clear of the vehicle and then go if it is safe. / 3 " ' Respect the solid white lines. They have been put there for a reason and normally mean that what you think you can see is not always the whole picture. e.g hidden dips and local hazards. /$"0 Riding makes a number of demands on the biker which are either physical or mental. Over the course of a day you will become increasingly tired. This will subsequently mean a drop in your capabilities as reactions slow. Include suitable rest stops on your route to give you time to recover and talk through the last ride. $/$*) ' /- $)$)" Having successfully passed your motorcycle test, the law permits you to ride until that licence expires. Sometimes an incident will occur which dents the confidence of a rider. There are a number of training providers that will help build back your confidence and increase your skill level. e.g: RoSPA, IAM and Enhanced Rider Scheme. )%*3( )/ People volunteer to sit astride a powered two wheeler, mainly because it makes them smile. Sussex consists of a network of roads which the biker can experience. Be safe and enjoy the ride.
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'Stay A Hero, Stay Safe' on the roads of Sussex Take beautiful open roads. Add in stunning scenery. You’ve got a recipe for the perfect motorbike ride. All of that makes Sussex an attractive location for riders of all ages and abilities. However, there is a darker side – motorcyclists, while making up just 1% of the traffic on the road (according to the Department For Transport), account for 25% of all those killed or seriously injured on the roads in Sussex – a massive 10
www.stayahero.co.uk
over-representation. While there are undeniably instances where car drivers don’t see bikers, other casualties come when bikers make errors of judgement. “We know that the vast majority of Sussex bikers aren’t risk-taking thrill seekers,” Neil Hopkins, Communications Manager of the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership says, “and are highly responsible road users. “However, as with any other road user group, errors of judgement can creep in. And on a motorcycle, these momentary errors can have dire consequences.” The SSRP approached Daniel Cox (Writer/Director of the award-winning ‘Embrace Life’ seatbelt campaign) and Producer Sarah Alexander of Alexander
Commercials to create a positive and fresh campaign made for motorcyclists that aims to drive down injuries in Sussex. ‘Stay A Hero, Stay Safe’ is a celebration of motorcycling which shows how bikers are inspirational role models. The story follows a young boy as he emulates his biker dad’s love for riding. The fresh, positive approach to the film avoids the shock-tactics of campaigns past, focusing instead on the joy motorcycling. “Some bikers have felt that authorities, such as the SSRP, have victimised them in the past. Our new campaign is designed to be
the complete opposite of this approach,” Neil continues. “We want to be a part of the motorcycling community, seen as an organisation which aims to help bikers get the most out of our county, while remaining safe at the same time. We’re hoping that ‘Stay A Hero, Stay Safe’ will carry that message out into the community and help to save lives on our roads.” Producer Sarah Alexander commented: "There are very few adverts out which speak directly to bikers, we are hoping that 'Stay a Hero' might fill in some of that gap. Rather
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than using fear and gore tactics we have tried to remind bikers of how great it is to ride while at the same time reminding them who they are going home to and why they need to stay safe. We are hoping the message will save lives.” Daniel Cox, the writer and creator of ‘Stay A Hero, Stay Safe’, added: "The film looks to 12
remind bikers to ride safely for both themselves and their loved ones, and that they can inspire the next generation to ride skilfully and safely. Coming from a family of bike riders I hope the film illustrates the important contribution bikers make as role models and how their actions and approach to riding can directly influence those who look up to them.”
What do you think? The SSRP would love to hear your opinions on ‘Stay A Hero, Stay Safe’. Does it hit the spot with you? Who first inspired you to ride? How would you like to see the number of motorcycle casualties driven down on our roads? Let us know either by contributing to the Facebook community page or by email – staysafe@stayahero.co.uk View, share and comment on ‘Stay A Hero, Stay Safe’ by visiting: www.stayahero.co.uk
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Wearing the right protective clothing whilst riding is just as important as wearing the correct crash helmet. Good quality, well maintained clothing can help to substantially reduce the risk of injury in any collision – and may help to save the rider’s life. Protective equipment has two basic functions: protection and comfort. Whilst offering the former function, it should also keep the rider/pillion comfortable in hot, cold or wet weather and to some degree help to make them visible to other road users. Protective equipment covers jacket, trousers/jeans, gloves and boots. Additional equipment covered, if it is not an integral part of the clothing itself, includes body armour, spine/back protectors and kidney belts.
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# 2 Under European and UK law, all protective equipment must be approved (and marked as such) by the Personal Protective Equipment Directive, in a similar fashion to crash helmets. The EC directive states: "As a general rule, the clothes used by motorcyclists (which include gloves, boots, shoes, etc.) are for private use to protect against the weather: rain, heat and cold. They should therefore be excluded from the scope of the PPE Directive (89/686/EEC) (Annex 1, point 3) However, if the manufacturer specifically claims, or implies in sales literature or advertising, that because of particular additional features (e.g. elbow pads, knee pads and the like) this clothing offers special protection, these additional features alone shall be classed as PPE and must therefore comply with the provisions of the Directive. If the manufacturer claims, or implies in sales literature or advertising, that the whole garment provides special protection in addition to that offered by individual protectors, the whole garment must comply with all the essential requirements of Directive 89/686/EEC." This Directive was brought into mandatory legislation for every country in the European Community in 1995, by which time it had already been implemented into UK law as a Statutory Instrument (No 3139) in 1992. This means that all protective products have to be tested and approved to the European Impact Protector Standards EN16214/1997 and prEN1621-2. Additionally, protective equipment should be marked with the ‘CE’ mark – this is gained once the item has been tested, and approved, by an independent Government approved test house.
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) Wearing the right clothing can also help riders to be seen on the roads – a vital consideration especially on busy urban routes. High-visibility clothing is often referred to as either fluorescent or reflective – but there is a key difference: reflective materials only work at night when they reflect light, and fluorescent ones only work in the daytime. Where possible, try to ensure that your clothing contains both, helping you to be seen on the roads at all times. / -$ '. Motorcyclists often wear leather because it is durable and abrasion resistant, giving good protection against injury. Many modern fabrics, such as Cordura® and ballistic nylon, are also abrasion and/or wind resistant, waterproof or have high-visibility properties. Make sure that whichever type of material you choose, it fits properly and is comfortable. A flap of material over the zip of a jacket will give additional protection against the wind. Jackets with sleeves tapering to fitted cuffs and waists are recommended to help keep wind from blowing into the garment. ' )$)" A few hints on how to get the most out of your protective clothing: Waterproof clothing Waterproof clothing will not work efficiently if the textile material is clogged with dirt. Do not use detergent to wash waterproof textiles. Detergent works by attracting water, and so will work against the waterproofing materials such as Gore-tex and Hydro-dry. Use either ‘old fashioned’ soap flakes or the
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special products for cleaning waterproof clothing, camping shops tend to sell such products. Leathers Leathers are easier to keep clean, but special care should be taken with the stitching. Dirt and grime can eventually cut through the stitching holding the seam together, if not regularly cleaned off. $ - ! /$"0 The type of clothing that you choose can have a dramatic effect on how long you’re able to ride safely. The famed British weather can produce significant differences in temperature, rain and comfort even during a single ride. This can be compounded by constant wind noise/blast and riding into the evening or during the night. Even in relatively warm weather, moving air is cooler and constant exposure to wind when riding may cause a chilling effect that leads to hypothermia (a condition of subnormal body temperature which can cause loss of concentration, slowed reactions, and loss of smooth, precise muscle movement). Such a condition could result in a rider losing his/her ability to concentrate and react to changing traffic conditions. Therefore, the clothing has to work
efficiently to keep you either warm or cool. If the clothing does not achieve either, rider fatigue can easily set in, whether you are riding over a long or short period of time. ‘Multi-layers’ worn beneath your outer protective clothing, tend to work far better than wearing big bulky layers. The sports type base layers [summer & winter type], tend to be less expensive than the ‘motorcycle’ produced layers and work just as well.
Thanks to Adrian Short, forensic collision investigator for Sussex Police, for creating this article.
0-/# - $)!*-( /$*) The following websites provide further information to assist you. www.direct.gov.uk Public Services Directory www.sharp.direct.gov.uk Sharp Helmet Safety Scheme www.mcia.co.uk Motor Cycle Industry Association www.planet-knox.com Knox Protective Equipment www.thermahelm.com ThermaHelm Halo Helmets www.roadsafetygb.org.uk/news/920.html Downloadable pdf guide www.haloleathers.com Halo Leathers
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Ducati put their weight behind
The Sussex Safer Roads Partnership is delighted that Ducati UK have decided to put their weight behind the ‘Stay A Hero’ campaign. Over the coming months, not only will the video be viewable through their website, but it will also be playing in every single Ducati dealer in the UK! The company have a long history in helping motorcyclists to stay safe whilst getting the most out of their riding experience. For ten years now, Ducati has organised the Ducati Riding Experience in Italy. Providing riding courses for every level, the main aim is to teach participants how to maintain better control over the bike in extreme conditions and how to avoid potentially dangerous situations which come up every day. Common road and track riding situations are taken into consideration, concentrating on how to tackle them and putting into practice specific riding techniques, all under the supervision of expert Ducati instructors. All sorts of new features have been introduced for the new year, the most exciting being that Troy Bayliss, an icon of Ducati motorcycle racing, will be among the DRE instructors. Troy's presence will in fact be major, thanks to a specific, dedicated course - the Troy Bayliss Academy, during which riders will use a Ducati 1198 SP. That's not the only new feature this year. At DRE 2011 participants will be able to experience the new 848EVO in the Track I and II Courses as well as the 1198SP in the Master Course - taught by the former World Champion Marco Lucchinelli, oozing personality and now a DRE mainstay.
Many more champions will be there, too, to make your experience at DRE 2011 truly unforgettable. Among them, Alessandro Polita, Ducati's Italian SBK champion 2010 and World Superstock champion 2006. Dario Marchetti, will continue in his role as technical supervisor of the Ducati riding school. Ducati also reached an important agreement with the Italian Motorcycling Federation (FMI), aimed at offering course participants an ever-fuller training programme and transmitting high quality riding techniques. To further promote all aspects of safety on two wheels, Ducati has undertaken major initiatives over the years, such as the campaign held throughout 2009 which offered a back protector to everyone who purchased a new Ducati and distributed tens of thousands of back protectors all over Europe. In 2011 Ducati UK will be launching a Ducati Rider Training programme where you can learn to ride on a Ducati, further committing to their efforts to keep Ducati riders safe on the road. Keep an eye on www.Ducatiuk.com for launch details It’s this type of partnership with major players in the motorcycle community which the SSRP hopes will take the ‘Stay A Hero’ message direct into the hearts and minds of motorcyclists in Sussex and beyond. For more information about the Ducati Riding Experience – and indeed the company’s commitment to safety – visit their website: www.Ducatiuk.com 19
0-/# - /- $)$)" *++*-/0)$/$ . Gaining your motorcycle licence is just the start of life on the road, and we recommend that all riders consider topping up their training over time. There are a number of excellent local and national courses designed to do just that, helping motorcyclists of all ages and skill levels fine tune their riding so that they can stay safe on the roads at all times. Many of these courses also allow participants to claim discounts on their insurance with leading companies.
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‘BikeSafe’ is a national course, delivered in Sussex by professional motorcyclists from Sussex Police and other SSRP Partners. “A well run day. Excellent value for money. All course content very well delivered. All instructors passionate about bike safety, more importantly, enjoyment. definitely (sic) recommend.” The ‘BikeSafe’ strategy is to engage with post-test riders in a conflict free environment to consider and analyse why motorcycle crashes are happening, including attitude and motivation. There are fewer causes than you might imagine with five strong themes emerging throughout the country. They are filtering, junctions, cornering, overtaking and group riding are the problem areas. Really obvious things seem to be placing everyday riders in life threatening scenarios. In the classroom, ‘BikeSafe’ can offer 20
potential solutions to the most prevalent crash causes and thereafter, following an observed ride element, prepare an individual rider development report which can be taken to a post-test training provider. ‘BikeSafe’ is about ‘Bridging the Gap’ into accredited training. For more information, visit: www.bikesafe.co.uk or call: 0845 60 70 999
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The Driving Standards Agency and Motorcycle Insurance Industry Association is designed for fully licensed motorcyclists and is ideal for those who have just passed their test, are upgrading to a more powerful bike, are returning to life on two wheels or riders who simply want a ‘health check’ on their riding. Trainers have had to prove to the DSA that they have the necessary skills and experience to provide quality training to motorcyclists. The trainers also undergo regular quality checks to ensure that they’re maintaining the high standards. A list of trainers can be found by logging onto: www.direct.gov.uk/ERS or by calling: 0115 936 6546.
IAM -
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Recognising that the majority of collisions are caused by driver or rider error, the Institute of Advanced Motorists’ (IAM) original Advanced Driving Test was introduced in 1956 with the specific objective of significantly improving driving standards. By 1976 the number of motorcyclists in the UK had risen dramatically, so the IAM launched the Advanced Riding test to help make bikers safer too. The tests are accredited by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). The Advanced Riding Test is not exclusively
about safety, but encourages the rider to feel confident on the road, to make good progress, and to get greater enjoyment from the experience. More information can be found on the IAM’s website: www.iam.org.uk
* ' 1 ) */*- 3 '$./ -*0+. Both East and West Sussex have active Advanced Motorcyclist Groups. Each offers observed rides and access into the IAM, as well as active social scenes. WSAM’s website: www.wsam.co.uk ESAM’s website: www.es-am.org.uk
RoSPA 1 )
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The RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) Advanced Drivers and Riders aim is to reduce road accidents by encouraging an interest in road safety and by improving driving and riding standards, knowledge and skill. In order to do this, RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders have over 50 local groups that will provide free training to help you improve your riding skills and help you train to become an advanced rider. The RoSPA website holds all of the information that you’ll need to find out about this course: http://www.roada.org.uk/riders/index.htm
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Here are just a few of the popular biker friendly places to meet up in Sussex.
P&H Motorcycles 61-63 Gatwick Road Crawley, West Sussex RH10 9RD
The Chalet Cafe Henfield Rd Cowfold, Horsham RH13 8DU
Riverside Cafe and Bistro Houghton Bridge, Amberley, West Sussex BN18 9LP
Whiteways Cafe Bury Hill, Houghton, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9FD
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Destination Triumph Washington, West Sussex RH20 4AJ
Alf's Motorcycles 100 Dominion Road Worthing West Sussex BN14 8JP
Shaws Harley Davidson ( on a Saturday )
Holmes Hill House Holmes Hill, East Sussex BN8 6JA
Wessons Cafe High St Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 0ER The Six Bells Chiddingly, Lewes, East Sussex BN8 6HT
The Madeira Cafe on Brighton Seafront 15-16 Madeira Drive Brighton BN2 1PS
Willow Cafe Lower Dicker, East Sussex, Hailsham BN27 4BT
The Strand Quay Cafe 30 Wish St, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7DA
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