It’s been all quiet on the blog for a while, but we’ve been busy behind the scenes working on new safety initatives for motorcyclists for 2010.
We’re pleased to have produced our second edition of Bedfordshire Biker magazine which was mailed to all subscribers and distributed to local motorcycle dealers in March and April. If you haven’t seen a copy, contact us and we’ll add you to our subscriber list. Subscribe online at www.bedfordshire-biker.org or phone Nicola or Caryl 01234 716333 or email your address to subscriptions@bedfordshire-biker.org.
We also have a season of RideSafe assessments planned – your chance to have your riding assessed by a Bedfordshire Police Advanced Motorcyclist. It’s free and you’ll receive expert advice on what you do well and where you could improve or benefit from further training. For dates and details, follow this link.
1st Ride for pre-CBT novice riders, launched lat year, is also running throughout the summer. For details of 1st Ride, follow this link.
We’re also pleased to be distributors of the CRASH card, developed by the Ambulance Motorcycle Club and supported by the East of England Ambulance Service. The concept is simple – motorcyclists are asked to carry a CRASH card inside their helmet which includes your name, post code, date of birth and any important medical information that paramedics and hospital staff can refer to in case you are involved in an ‘unscheduled dismount’. A small green dot to fix to your helmet will let paramedics know that you have a CRASH card inside your helmet. For your CRASH card, email info@motorcyclingmatters.org or call 01234 716333. For more information, visit http://www.ambulancemotorcycleclub.150m.com/crash-card.htm
Motorcyclists of all levels took part in the latest Bedfordshire and Luton Casualty Reduction Partnerships motorcycle training event held on Sunday 21st June at Shefford Fire Station.
Novice riders took part in the “1st Ride” Course to learn the basics of motorcycle controls and safety in preparation for their CBT. More experienced riders took a “RideSafe” assessment with a police motorcyclists.
More “1st Ride” courses and “RideSafe” assessments will be taking place on 19th July and 23rd August. For details on how to book a space or if you want more info regarding “1st Ride” or “RideSafe” visit the Motorcycle Training Matters section of this website.
The Driving Standards Agency has launched a new training DVD for post-test riders and motorcycle trainers.
‘Better Biking – the Official DSA Training Aid DVD’ provides expert advice on improving bikers’ skills and aids post-test rider training to DSA standard.
The DVD features sgt. Rick Weaver, chief trainer in advanced riding for Cheshire Constabulary, who demonstrates an ideal solo ride in each skill category to show the standard of riding to aspire to.
In addition to rider analysis, the DVD provides authoritative advice on bikes, clothing, machine checks and security with Louise Brady, presenter of Bikes Aloud and Isle of Man TT.
Better Biking: the Official DSA Training Aid (ISBN 97801129559) is priced at £10.99.
Visit www.tsoshop.co.uk, or call 0870 243 0123 to purchase.
Just read your news and events issue and wanted to give you an update on the item regarding first aid for motorcyclists. As you correctly stated, the cost to the individual for the four-hour long course is actually £44 after the VAT has been added.
I completed this course at Bedford and would highly recommend it to all riders. In fact I am keen to promote the course and get as many bikers out there on the road trained in first aid.
I have contacted the St John Ambulance office at Bedford personally and have arranged that, provided I can ensure a group of 12 for such a course the cost to individuals will be …..£31.75 inclusive of VAT. How’s that for a saving? Taking all into account (including free coffee before and during the training) this works out at less than £8 per hour to receive quality training with a recognised certificate at the end.
All I need is for anyone to forward their expression of interest to me via my e-mail address at: dave@coulson17.fsworld.co.uk and I will see if I can get things moving by gathering details and arranging dates. At this stage I am not asking for any money to be paid, and when I do it all gets paid to SJA.
Like most things, there has to be a deadline for people to contact me. Can I ask that any interested folk contact me by 1st. April2008 at the latest?
I have copied this message to representatives of Oakley Motorcycling Club, the Christian Motorcyclists Association, Honda Motorcycling Club, Honda Goldwing Owners Club, Team UK Advanced, and other individuals who may be interested, with a request that they might circulate this to their members and any other interested parties.
St John Ambulance run courses specifically designed for bikers, teaching a range of techniques that could save a life in the event of an accident – from dealing with shock, controlling bleeding, safely removing a crash helmet and administering CPR.
The course last 4 and a half hours, and costs £45 + VAT.
For more information, follow the link to the St John Ambulance website.
