Sussex Biker Issue 4

Issue 4

Fash ion fety: or Sa the two NEW RIDE R AWAREN ESS Find out m

Can ? be combined 4 Page 1

ore this free tra about ining in Sussex Page 6

Top tips and safe ty advice fr om the S ussex Safer Ro ads Part nership

www.SussexSaferRoads.gov.uk

Welcome to the 2014 edition of Sussex Biker!

Whether you’ve spent the winter sheltering the beloved steed, or are thinking about making this your year to get onto two wheels, there’s something in this magazine for you!

Wearing the right clothing is one of those factors which can really help riders get up and walk away if the worst happens.

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From preventing gravel rash to protecting joints from crushing, getting the right kit is of the utmost importance. In case you’ve not been in a showroom recently, you might be surprised to find out that there’s a huge range of highly protective gear which doesn’t look like protective gear – if you know what we mean. Check out page 14 for more info.

Since the last issue, bikers have been using some of Brighton’s bus lanes with great – and legal! – abandon. We’ve got an update on this trial on page 18, as well

Contents 04: About the SSRP 05: Staying a Hero 06: New Rider Awareness 07: H-BOLTS 08: Routes to Riding 10: Brighton Bikers’ Nights 12: Bike Safe in Sussex 14: Fashion or Safety 17: Rider Fatigue 18: Bikers in Bus Lanes 20: Biker Down 22: PTW Casualty Data 23: Wheels 2 Work 24: Further Training 27: Crash Cards

as news about a new series of evening ride out events too (page 10).

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or taking your first few spins around the block, a little extra training never hurt anyone. Our training articles will show you what’s on offer – and all for free!

for you to press out and use. Make sure it’s completed and safely lodged in your helmet. We hope that you’ll never need it…

Until the next edition, All the best from the Sussex Biker Team!

Enjoy this latest Sussex Biker. As always, we’ve got the CRASH card in the back cover

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About th e SSRP WHO ARE THE SSRP? Simply put, the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership is an organisation created between three local government authorities (East and West Sussex County Councils, Brighton & Hove City Council) and Sussex’s 999 responders which is dedicated to reducing the number of individuals killed and seriously injured on Sussex’s roads through education, engineering and enforcement.

WHO FUNDS THE PARTNERSHIP’S WORK? The majority of the Partnership’s funding comes from surplus monies generated by the delivery of the Speed Awareness Courses. The three local highway authorities also make a contribution.

The Partnership is not funded by fines from speed cameras – these are sent to the Treasury.

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WHO DECIDES WHAT TO DO? All of the Partnership’s work is guided by a team of specialist data analysts who examine the reports made by Sussex Police after any injury on the roads to determine trends, patterns, at-risk groups and so on. This analysis then gets collated into Strategic Intelligence Assessments and guides the Partnership’s work.

WHO TRANSLATES RESEARCH INTO ACTION? The Partnership uses specialist road safety officers, casualty reduction specialists and educators to turn the recommendations from the Strategic Intelligence Assessments into viable products to change road users’ behaviour. Depending on the programme, the partners may use their own teams to deliver products or may hire in additional help.

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED? Check out our website: www.SussexSaferRoads.gov.uk to discover the things that interest you, and then drop the Partnership an email via the website. If you want to help make the roads of Sussex safer for all road users, then we’d love to hear from you!

Staying A Hero With around a quarter of a million online views, ‘Stay Safe, Stay A Hero’ (www.StayAHero.co.uk) – the Partnership’s motorcycle safety video has been a slow, but steady, burner.

Designed to evoke the spirit of riding, ‘Stay A Hero’ followed the SSRP’s ‘Embrace Life’ film as a showcase of a new kind of communication with the Sussex community.

“

We tried to make Stay A Hero something that riders would choose to watch, rather than something that they felt they should watch. A lot of road safety advertising in the past has targeted one specific aspect of riding, often emphasising the negative aspects or the risk of getting out on the roads.

We know that riding can be fun and pleasurable – although it does come with some unique risks and the number of riders being injured every year is a cause for concern.

Phil Henty from the SSRP

“

‘Stay A Hero’ was written and directed by Daniel Cox and produced by Sarah Alexander of Alexander Commercials. To see the campaign for yourself, visit www.StayAHero.co.uk and don’t forget to share it with your friends!

‘Stay A Hero’ is our way of acknowledging the spirit of motorcycling and opening the discussions about the real reasons for being safe on the roads.

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Covering the things new riders need to know – what to consider when buying protective clothing, what a wear bar is, what’s the best road position or what SMIDSY means – the workshop is delivered (free) to new riders in schools and colleges across Sussex.

New to the roads?

Do you worry about new riders?

OK, they’ve passed their tests, but the stereotype of spotty youth over-revving plastic rockets and going for dodgy overtakes persists.

Of course, stereotypes don’t apply to everyone, but new riders (just like new drivers) do make mistakes Most of them will learn – hopefully – from the experience and move on.

Even careful new riders can get it wrong, simply because they’ve never experienced a particular situation before. Educated guesses are still just guesses which mostly turn out OK, often by luck more than judgement.

The workshop also looks at general road safety topics, such as how long alcohol takes to leave the body; as well as what the law says about scooters and helmet safety markings. As a theory only session, New Rider Awareness is delivered all year round without the danger that summer will turn into winter with only an hour’s warning...

Even careful ne w riders can get it wrong, sim ply because they’ve never ex perienced a particular situat ion before.

The course is primarily designed for those who have either just taken their practical test, or who are in the immediate run up to it. It is delivered by experienced motorcyclists, mainly from Sussex Police and the Fire & Rescue Services, all of whom have many years’ experience on two wheels.

The workshop is delivered (free) to new riders in schools and colleges across Sussex.

Aiming to take the guesswork out of the equation is the New Rider Awareness workshop, developed by the motorcyclists of the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership for those who are just getting out on their first moped or small motorcycle.

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For more information about the Workshop, check out the website:

www.NewRiderAwareness.co.uk or speak to your local school/ college about arranging a session.

H-BOLTS at the ready…

So, you’re new to the world of two wheels (well, two powered ones anyway).

The thrill of the open road lies ahead.

But without the right maintenance, you’ll be going nowhere fast.

H – Horn.

Does it work? It’s not for showing your displeasure at other motorists, but rather an important piece of kit to alert them to your presence with a quick toot.

A few minutes a week can be the difference between keeping your bike running, and it sitting sadly at the side of the road somewhere.

B – Brakes.

Stopping is just as important as starting; probably more so. Get your pads inspected every few thousand miles, and check your brake fluid levels regularly (your owner’s manual should show you how).

We’ve got a short mnemonic to help you get to grips with some basic weekly checks – H-BOLTS. Catchy, huh…

O – Oil. Keep an eye on your engine’s lubricant and top it up regularly if needed. Use a quality oil to prolong your ride’s life.

L – Lights.

Your lights (and mirrors) should be clean and in working order – you need to see what’s around you and be seen by everyone else.

T – Tyres.

You need to make sure that your tread depth is not below 1.0mm, that there are no signs of damage (cracks, bulges) and that the pressure is at the right level.

S – Speedo.

Does your speedo work? It’s a simple question, but the cable can come loose.

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Routes to Riding Entry Age 16

Entry Age 17 or Over

Compulsory Basic Training

Compulsory Basic Training

Valid for 2 Years

Valid for 2 Years If you hold a valid CBT Certificate from riding a moped - or have a full moped licence - you do not have to re-take a CBT

IF COMPLETED

IF COMPLETED

You can now ride a 50cc moped restricted to 28mph with L Plates - No Passengers.

Not allowed on motorways

You can now ride any machine up to 125cc with L Plates - No Passengers .

Not allowed on Motorways

Theory Test

Theory Test

Valid for 2 Years You must hold a valid Motorcycle certificate before you take your Practical Category AM Moped Test

Valid for 2 Years You must hold a valid Motorcycle certificate before you take your Practical Category A1 Motorcycle Test

PASS

PASS

Practical Test

Practical Test

2 Part Test Module 1 - Off Road Module 2 - On Road

2 Part Test Module 1 - Off Road Module 2 - On Road

PASS

PASS

AM - Moped Licence

A1 Licence

You can now ride a 50cc moped restricted to 28mph No L Plates - Passengers Allowed

You can now ride a 125cc machine No L Plates - Passengers Allowed

Your options now. . .

Your options now. . .

Keep riding a moped At 17 years or over - Take a motorcycle test

Keep riding a125cc Motorcycle At 19 years or over – You can now take your category A2 test and ride a bike of up to 35kW (46.6bhp)

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New regulations from January 2013 Entry Age 19 or Over

Entry Age 24 or Over

Compulsory Basic Training

Compulsory Basic Training

Valid for 2 Years You do not have to re-take CBT if you have a valid A1 licence

Valid for 2 Years You do not have to re-take CBT if you have a valid AM, A1 or A2 licence

IF COMPLETED

IF COMPLETED

You can now ride any machine up to 125cc with L Plates - No Passengers.

Not allowed on Motorways

You can now ride any machine up to 125cc with L Plates - No Passengers Not allowed on Motorways

Theory Test

Theory Test

Valid for 2 Years If you hold a valid Motorcycle certificate, or you have held a Category A1 licence for more than 2 years. you do not need to re-take your Theory Test

Valid for 2 Years If you hold a valid Motorcycle certificate, or you have held a Category A2 licence for more than 2 years you do not need to re-take your Theory Test.

If you are over 24 years of age and new to motorcycling you will need to take a Motorcycle Theory Test before taking your Practical Full Category A Test.

PASS

PASS

Practical Test

Practical Test

2 Part Test Module 1 - Off Road Module 2 - On Road

2 Part Test Module 1 - Off Road Module 2 - On Road

PASS

PASS

A2 Licence

A Licence

You can now ride any bike up to 35kW (46.6 bhp) No L Plates - Passengers Allowed

You can now ride any machine of your choice No L Plates - Passengers Allowed

Your options now. . .

Keep riding a Motorcycle of up to 35kw (46.6bhp) after 2 years or on reaching 24 years of age you can take a Full Category -A Motorcycle Test to ride what ever machine you like*. *In certain circumstance and dependant on when you passed your Motorcycle Theory Test, you may need re-take this. Check with a training expert if in doubt

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In support of

Kent Surrey Sussex

Air Ambulance

A Charity That Saves Lives

A monthly Summer ride out destination for local Motorcyclists and friends

Brought to you by: Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, Brighton Motorcycle Action Group, Brightona and Serv Rider Volunteers (Sussex)

CHARITY RIDERS Reg. Charity No. 1148200

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Brighton Bikers ’ Nights are back with a vengeance in 20 14.

This summer ride out destination for motorcycles will take place on Madeira Drive opposite the Colonnade Cafes on May 22, June 19, July 17th and August 21st from 7-9.30pm.

This year’s events will benefit Kent, Sussex and Surrey Air Ambulance, a vital service with a proven record of saving lives in serious collisions involving motorcyclists and others. Parking for motorcycles will remain free, but we’re suggesting a donation of £2 to this worthy cause.

Motorcycle retailer stalls and entertainment will be located on the prom, with food and drink supplied by the great range of colonnade cafes on the opposite side.

And, of course, you’ll get a chance to mingle with the teams from the Brighton Motorcycle Action Group, Brightona, SERV Sussex, and the Air Ambulance in addition to our very own SSRP riders (what more could you want?).

For those of you with a competitive streak we’re also running a ‘Bike of the Night’ competition, open to all-comers and voted for by the public will take place each month. A £5 donation secures your entry, and puts you in the running for a take home trophy engraved with your name, plus vouchers to spend with local motorcycle retailers.

At the end of the season, we’ll announce a ‘Brighton Bikers’ Night Bike of the Year’ prize based on Facebook ‘Likes’ of our winners’ pics.

Each month the westbound lane of Madeira Drive will be closed between the planters in the road east of the bikers’ cafes and the Wheel so we’re asking riders to use the Aquarium roundabout to access the site. Extra motorcycle parking will be provided. We hope the weather will mean lots of pedestrians out for a stroll, so please stay off the promenade on the sea side of the cycle lane.

We look forward to seeing you on Madeira Drive this summer!

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Bike Safe in Sussex BikeSafe is one of the longest running education schemes here in Sussex and considering that it gets booked up almost instantly every year, one of the most popular as well!

continue Riders should hout their to train throug d not just riding years an have passed stop once they . their bike test As the thousands of bikers who’ve enjoyed and benefited from it will tell you, BikeSafe is a one-day workshop run by the Police in a relaxed, friendly environment. It’s been designed to bridge the gap between every day riding and training delivered by the likes of the DSA, IAM or RoSPA. The day’s session covers a variety of topics including collision causation, hazard awareness, observation links, filtering and bend assessment. The team are there to answer your questions so 12 - SUSSEX BIKER

ask away! With an observed ride with either a Police or Fire and Rescue service motorcyclist and written feedback leading to a certificate of completion rounding off the day, many bikers have found BikeSafe to be an enjoyable day out with likeminded riders – helping them to identify their strengths and weaknesses, becoming better and safer riders in the process!

BikeSafe is about starting on the rig ht path to developm ent WHERE BikeSafe courses are held across Sussex.

Check the website: www.bikesafe.co.uk to find your nearest one.

WHEN

Sessions normally take place on a Saturday or Sunday between 08.30 and 17.00.

WHO IS INVOLVED

The Sussex team consists of motorcycle riders from Sussex Police and the Fire & Rescue Services.

“Learnt more in the day, than over the last 40 years. The course was educational and enjoyable. Feel that I am a much safer rider and will go on further training courses.”

“A really good, well thought out day, Everyone should do this!! ”

WHAT TO EXPECT

The day starts in the classroom. The morning session consists of discussion and a presentation that covers many topics that are relevant to motorcyclists such as the common causes of motorcycle collisions, hazard awareness and positioning.

After lunch you will go for a ride-out with an emergency services rider.

The ride-out will be in the ratio of 2 riders to 1 observer. The observer will provide you with honest developmental feedback and a written assessment of your ride.

You will receive a certificate of completion.

COST The cost for the day is £50.00 HOW TO BOOK All bookings are managed on the national BikeSafe Website: www.bikesafe.co.uk

“A well run day. Excellent value for money. All course content very well delivered. All instructors passionate about bike safety, more importantly, enjoyment. Definitely recommend.”

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Fashion or Safety

Can the two be combined?

Fashion might be in the eye of the beholder, but safety’s in the quality of the material covering your rump. With thorny issues such as cost, attractiveness and practicality in the mix, getting the right riding gear can seem like a bit of a nightmare, especially if being clad in leather all day simply isn’t your thing.

However, there’s good news in the motorcycle apparel market, as Sussex Police’s PC Glen McArthur explains…

A lot of the initial choice about what kind of biking gear we choose seems to be made for us by the machine that we ride.

When did you last see a cruiser or Harley rider in the finest Dainese one piece racing leathers, or sports bike riders with tassels hanging from their wrists getting their knee down at a track session?

Much of this is about practicality and cost as it is about making a statement as we ride our favourite routes. And, of course, most riders will make a beeline for the gear that offers the best safety rating, answering that all important question: “how will a particular piece of cow hide or textile prevent a horrendous injury if I end up sliding on my rear down the road?”

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At the other end of the spectrum, younger riders can concentrate on solely cost and appearance, as opposed to safety ratings, when choosing their clothing.

While they’ve spent their formative years relying on the taxi of Mum & Dad, the expenses incurred in getting their licence and purchasing the latest machine can come as a bit of a shock. Getting the right helmet is a legal requirement (and it needs to look OK too!) but after this, the trail starts to run cold as the cost and consideration of the appropriate gear beyond bare minimum seems to drop off in priority.

75% of all d injuries suffere ts... by motorcyclis occur within me.

10 miles of ho

There’s also the issue of practicality for those who ride to commute or for practical purposes (rather than just for the joy of it). Do people want to stay in full body armour all day? Our research in local colleges suggests that the students don’t want to arrive at college wearing full leathers or textile outfits, but rather the latest ‘skinny’ jeans and Converse trainers. For them, it’s all in the look – and also in the comfort levels.

When you think of it like this, it’s not surprising to see riders of smaller machines, like mopeds, with just a helmet

and (sometimes) gloves as protection…

Some people would argue that their commute to work or college is only a few miles (and popping down to the shops even less) – so what could possibly happen? Surely they don’t need to suit up just for that?

Well, in Sussex, over 75% of all injuries suffered by motorcyclists (from the smallest step-through to the biggest track day racer) occur within 10 miles of home. That’s a huge statistic and really underlines the need for decent protection at all times.

There are n ow a wide range of pro ducts available w hich resem ble convention al clothing While we’d like to see every rider fully suit-ed and booted to ride to the end of their road and back, we know that this just isn’t practical. However, there are now a wide range of products available which resemble conventional clothing such as denim jeans but have the protective qualities of textiles or even leather.

Companies such as Draggin Jeans, Hornee, RST and Oxford have realised that the market seems to be lacking fashion in certain areas, so they have produced a number of products which seem to fit the bill, all offering Kevlar padded jeans which fulfil the ‘looking good’ criteria while giving excellent levels of protection.

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Another company, Bull-It, use a material called Covec which offers an incredibly high degree of protection to wearers.

Additionally, Bull-It have also developed a range of great looking jackets designed to appeal to both younger and young-at-heart riders. Their Carbon 4 Jacket, for example, allows the wearer to place CE armour pads on the shoulders, elbows and back which can then be removed for about-town wandering.

This selection of clothing adds to the choice for all groups of riders and should encourage motorcyclists to consider their safety for a whole host of journeys as well as their post-ride comfort needs.

If you are unsure of what clothing to either purchase for yourself or others, then most large stores or dealerships will be able to offer advice. Although the Partnership can’t recommend one manufacturer over another, we do have examples of different clothing options with us at shows and event – so if you want to know more, come and have a chat with us!

For more information about the different types of protective clothing available, be sure to have a look at the Partnership’s website – www.SussexSaferRoads.gov.uk

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Rider FATIGUE with thanks to Lancashire police www.lancashire.police.uk/mikeslastride

You’re on the last section of your journey and you recognise the signs of fatigue. Make the right choice and keep yourself and others safe.

Even experienced and safe riders make simple errors on a long journey. It doesn’t matter how experienced you are – riding whilst tired can cause serious or even fatal collisions.

During a ride, especially if you have been out for a while, you may start to feel tired and lose concentration.

• Make sure you take regular breaks and get off your bike to stretch your legs • Having a drink can also help keeping up your fluid intake can aid concentration • Reduce your speed and ride to the conditions. Don’t feel under pressure to keep up with friends • Recognise you are tired and give yourself a greater margin for error • When you’re out riding for the whole day, don’t eat a heavy meal at lunchtime as this has been proven to reduce concentration in the afternoon.

If you are riding in a group - it is just as important to make the right choice.

• Think about your fellow riders • Don’t put others under pressure to keep up or overtake • Check your speed and take turns at the front or back.

Common errors made by bikers whilst tired; • Taking left hand bends too fast or on the wrong line, causing you to run wide and drift into oncoming traffic • Taking right hand bends too fast or on the wrong line, causing you to run wide and off the carriageway • Misjudging overtakes and not having enough time to get past vehicles or failing to see and register oncoming vehicles • Overtaking vehicles which are turning right at junctions when riders have failed to spot the junction.

Find out about: Mike’s last ride - search YouTube for “Mike’s last ride” or scan the QR code SUSSEX BIKER - 17

Bikers in Bus Lanes On May 4th 2014, the trial to allow motorcycles, scooters and mopeds in two sections of the bus lanes in Brighton and Hove turned a year old. It will run for another 6 months and finish on November 4th 2014 Once a whole 12 months worth of evidence on casualty, speeds and traffic flows has been collected, the information will help Councillors decide whether to extend the trial, abandon it or make it permanent.

Good news - powered two wheeler casualties in the city for 2013 have been confirmed at roughly half the total number predicted.

The scheme can’t claim credit for this, but it’s an encouraging statistic. By July or August we should be able to confirm the number of casualties on both lanes.

There have been some questions about the reasons three wheelers and bikes with side cars are excluded from the trial. These vehicles have a much wider wheel base, and may need to cross a solid white line on the bus lane to overtake a bus at a stop, making collisions with vehicles in the general traffic lanes more likely.

The scheme had to be consistent with the city’s parking policy, where only motorised vehicles with 2 wheels are defined as ‘motorcycles’. However it has 18 - SUSSEX BIKER

been agreed informally with Sussex Police that an exception could be made for three wheelers with a narrow wheel base (such as the Piaggio MP3 Yourban). These bikes have also been treated differently from motorised ‘trikes’ when it comes to parking enforcement.

There have also been questions about why motorcycles can’t use the cyclist advanced stop lines (ASLs) on the lanes.

Motorcyclists are trained to take an assertive road position to protect themselves.

Until recently this was not the case with cyclists, many of whom instinctively will ride as far to the left as possible. This road position at junctions and traffic lights means they are less visible to other road users, and results in more cycle casualties. The ASLs encourage cyclists to take a position which gives them more chance of being seen, particularly by bigger vehicles with blind spots.

The worry is that motorcycles in an ASL may deter a cyclist from using it; that may make them choose a position that leaves them vulnerable. While cycle training now emphasizes taking the ‘primary road position’ (the centre of the left most lane) as an essential safety technique, there are still many cyclists who were not taught this riding style on our roads. So it’s been decided that the ASLs should remain for cyclists only for the time being.

The trial lanes are the A23 from Carden Ave to Preston Drove, and the A259 from Telscombe Cliffs Way to the Ovingdean roundabout.

For more information visit www.BusLaneUsers.info

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A free life-saving course for bikers in Sussex If you were the first on the scene of an incident involving a biker, would you know what to do? Would you know who is most at risk, how to protect the area or whether you should remove the helmet of a downed rider?

Actions taken in the first few moments after an incident can be crucial in minimising injuries and can make a real difference to the lives of those involved.

But there can be some uncertainty about what to do in these situations.

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It is run by ikers bikers for b Biker Down is a free training workshop originally developed by Kent Fire and Rescue Fire Bike Team. It is run by bikers for bikers designed to answer these uncertainties. Using the expertise of the Emergency Services and HSE qualified First Aid Trainers, Biker Down will help motorcyclists be prepared should the worst happen on the roads.

The workshops last approximately three hours and are broken down into three modules: The first module looks at initial scene management, the protection of those present and risk assessing the scene.

The second module is delivered by a qualified HSE First Aid trainer and focuses

Biker Dow n is a radic ally different a pproach to helping low er the num ber of motorcy clists killed and seriou sly injured on the roads.

on assessing the casualty and basic life support. It looks at considerations when dealing with trauma and covers the very topical area of when and how to safely remove a motorcyclist’s helmet.

The third section gives an overview on why motorcyclists often succumb to the SMIDSY (Sorry Mate, I didn’t See You) scenario. This module is delivered by a member of the Sussex Police Forensic Crash Investigation Reconstruction Unit.

Using their experience from investigating serious and fatal motorcycle crashes, they offer an awareness of conspicuity and an insight into the science of being seen.

Biker Down is a radically different approach to helping lower the number of motorcyclists killed and seriously injured on the roads. This is the first time that the training and experience of bikers from the Emergency Services has been used in this way in Sussex.

To find out more information regarding the Biker Down workshops contact the team by email BikerDown@StayAHero.co.uk or via - www.StayAHero.co.uk

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our b ike y n o t e G t Sussex s a E h it w Work Wheels 2

East Sussex Wheels 2 Work (ESW2W) have been running since the summer of 2013 and already have over 40 mopeds and motorcycles out on the road, helping to get people to work, college or training.

The scheme is helping people like Greg, who has swapped his car for a moped to get to work between Eastbourne and Lewes, and it’s saving him over £60 per month.

It’s also helping local carer, Suzanne, who was struggling to fulfil her client list because of time spent travelling. She swapped her car for a moped and it’s now quicker and easier for her to reach clients.

She’s saving over £30 a week and, most importantly, she’s able to spend more quality time with her clients.

The scheme has joined forces with the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership. All clients undertake additional training by taking the New Rider Awareness course, provided by Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (see page 6).

ESW2W also has a qualified motorcycle mechanic on site who maintains the fleet, and provides spares, repairs and maintenance for motorcycles and mopeds for the general public.

And if you’re a local business looking for meeting space, the ESW2W premises have a meeting room to accommodate up to 20 people, with its own kitchen facilities. Catering can also be provided on request.

To find out more, visit: eastsussexwheels2work.co.uk or call 0845 0944308.

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Further Training WHO WOULDN’T LIKE SOME MORE SKILLS?

Judging by the speed at which the Partnership’s Bike Safe Course (see page 12) gets booked up every year, there’s obviously a real appetite for skills training amongst motorcyclists.

Whether it’s to prove a point to yourself about how few bad habits you’ve picked up over the years, or to brush up after a period of not getting out, some additional training can help you to enjoy the roads more (and stay safe while you’re at it).

Many training providers across Sussex offer advanced rider sessions – you can find these quickly by searching online – and we advise that you meet with the team before taking up any sessions to check that what they offer will match what you want.

There are some nationally recognised schemes as well (which may or may not be offered in your area) and some of these also help with insurance prices!

If you’ve taken up some advanced training, why not log onto our Facebook Group (www.facebook.com/stayahero) to tell us how you found it?

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Enh anced Rider Scheme

www.gov.uk/enhanced-rider-scheme This is suitable for whatever training needs you might have, so long as you are already a licenced motorcyclist.

You’ll be taken for an observed ride (usually 1 – 2 hours) and, if you’re up to scratch, you’ll get a certificate to prove it. If you need some training, then a personalised plan will be worked out just for you.

Once you’ve received your certificate (whether you need some brush-up training or not), you’ll find that most insurers give some kind of discount.

There is a cost for this training and the assessment ride.

RoSPA Advanced Riders www.roadar.org RoSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) have been increasing motorcyclists’ skill levels for years.

Advanced Riding is based upon the ‘System of motorcycle control’ as detailed in ‘Motorcycle Roadcraft The Police Riders Handbook’ and is both monitored and approved by the Driving Standards Agency.

All RoSPA examiners are serving or retired Police Officers, and everyone taking the Advanced Rider course is required to be re-examined every three years to ensure that their standards haven’t slipped.

RoSPA membership also gives you access to the nationwide network of social groups, as well as insurance and product discounts.

If you’ve been bitten with the training bug after passing your initial test, you can get a BTEC Level 3 Advanced Award in Riding to prove just how skilful you are.

IAM – Skill For Life http://bit.ly/skillforlife

Skill For Life is the IAM’s Advanced Rider Training course which looks at five specific phases of advanced riding: • Information • Position • Speed • Gear • Acceleration If you’re not sure that you want to take the Skill For Life course, then the IAM also offers a Ride Check+ as an introduction to advanced riding.

Additionally, they also offer a range of track based Skills Days for you to put into practice everything that you’ve learnt in an off-road environment.

All of the IAM’s courses are paid for options. IAM membership also gives you discounts on breakdown cover – check their website for details.

Local Motorcycle Groups

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.info ESAM’s website: www.es-am.org.uk

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Crash Cards

The crash card ID was designed by paramedics who are passionate about motorcycles.

Crash is intended to be a set of easy to remember steps to keep you safe as well as the unfortunate rider who has been involved in a collision, especially if they are injured and are unable to talk coherently because of a decreased level of consciousness or have been knocked out.

How does the ambulance crew attending find out who you are, what medication you take or your medical history? What information does the 999 call centre need? How can you help the rider who is injured?

One side of the card has the mnemonic CRASH - take time to read it. The person making the 999 call is the most important person at the scene because the information they give determines the response of the emergency services.

The card follows a similar set of questions universally used by ambulance service control centres, and focuses on safety, the location of the accident, and how serious it is.

Put the card under the lining of your crash helmet because that’s where the crew will look for it. Remember - removing a crash helmet is a skill that takes two people and is practiced by ambulance personnel - don’t ever attempt to remove another rider’s helmet on your own.

Help alert emergency responders that you carry a card by placing a green dot on the right hand side of your helmet by the visor, making sure it’s not in your field of view.

And don’t worry it’s safe to stick it on your helmet.

Hopefully no-one will ever need to use the crash card but just carrying it around could make riders everywhere think carefully about their safety.

C R A S H Name Postcode

C A R D

Date of Birth Medication Medical History Contact (Next of Kin)

Allergies

www.SussexSaferRoads.gov.uk C R A SH C A R D Name Sussex Safer Roads Partnership PO Postcode Box 2094, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 6XT

Date of Birth Web: www.SussexSaferRoads.gov.uk Email: communications@sussexsaferroads.gov.uk Medication Medical History Produced in 2014 by the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership.

All information time of going to print.

Contactcorrect (Nextatofthe Kin) Allergies

C R AS H

C A R D

Caution - Don始t put yourself in danger Road - What is your exact location?

Accident - Involving how many vehicles?

Serious - Is anyone unresponsive?

Help - Don始t move casualty, call 999

Printed on recycled paper