Free rider training and adverts aim to stall spike in biker casualties

The new advertising campaign, which will feature on the back of buses, reminds bikers to take extra care when filtering in slow-moving traffic, looking out for pedestrians crossing between vehicles and vehicles emerging from junctions or changing lanes. 

It also urges drivers to take longer to look for bikes at junctions, when changing lanes and especially when queuing and deciding to turn right or make a u-turn.

A spokesman from South Yorkshire’s Safer Roads Partnership, which is behind the campaign, said: “This campaign is aimed at improving the awareness of riders and drivers to reduce the number of casualties involving powered two wheelers.  

“Drivers need to be vigilant and look out for motor-cyclists and scooter riders, being mindful of their needs and vulnerability as road users.”  

Motor-cyclists account for one per cent of road traffic but 19 per cent of road user deaths.  Casualties in South Yorkshire have not shown any significant change over the past five years. 

In 2014, in South Yorkshire there were two riders fatally injured, a reduction on the previous year, but the number of serious casualties increased. 

The Partnership is also urging bikers to consider embarking on an advanced training course, with tuition available for riders of at all levels of experience.

The spokesman added: “We would urge all riders to consider further skills training to improve their safety and enjoyment on the road. 

“The Safer Roads Partnership offers a range of free and subsidised skills sessions for riders of all ages and abilities, to improve their defensive riding, road positioning and filtering techniques.”

The Safer Roads Partnership’s Twist and Go course is specifically aimed at younger riders of motor-cycles and scooters from 50cc to 125cc who have undertaken their Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). 

The free three hour course is a mix of theory and practical training and will be held at Rotherham Fire Station on August 29.

SharpRider enhanced motorcycle courses, meanwhile, are ideal for riders who are returning to riding after a break, upgrading to a more powerful machine or just want to check their riding standards.

The next SharpRider course will be held on 23 August at Dearne Fire Station.

Riders who complete the course will receive a DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) certificate and may get up to 15 per cent off their insurance.  

The training usually costs over £100, but with South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership support it is currently being offered for only £20.

An Institute of Advanced Motorists Skill for Life course, aimed at experienced riders, is also being subsidised by the Partnership. 

The Skill for Life course normally costs £149 but is being offered for just £79, thanks to South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership offering a subsidy of £70 off the full course price.

To book a place on the TWANG course, contact South Yorkshire Safer Roads team on 01709 832452 or email [email protected]

To book a place on SharpRider or for more information, please contact 01777 818013 or visit the website www.sharprider.co.uk 

For more details about Skills for Life contact Derek Cumbers, at the IAM’s Rotherham group on 0773 615 7500.