Essex Air Ambulance Supports Bike Safe Event

Essex Air Ambulance is once again assisting Essex Police, Essex Casualty Reduction Board and Maldon Community Safety Partnership to promote motorcycle safety across the County. Sunday 1st May 2011 will see the sixth Essex Bike Safe Show in partnership with the casualty reduction board at Millfields in Burnham on Crouch. Essex Air Ambulance is pleased to be assisting in the organisation of the event and the show is in aid of the County’s life-saving helicopter.

Last year, over 1200 bikers attended the event with 63 taking assessed ride outs with the Police and 33 signed up to take part in Bike Safe workshops. This year the event promises to be bigger and better with the hope of attracting even more bikers and visitors.

There will be various trade stands by major manufacturers plus the chance to see the work of the Essex Police Marine Section. Motorcyclists will also have the opportunity to take part in an assessed ride out with an Essex Police motorcyclist and sign up to the Bike Safe Workshops. Medical emergencies permitting, the Essex Air Ambulance will land, with the Essex Police Helicopter also being based at the event where members of the public can meet both aircrews and view the helicopters up close and personal.

The Safe n Sexy Show, which was a brand new addition in 2010, is returning again this year as it was such a big hit! Showcasing the latest protective clothing available, the show aims to highlight how riders can look really good and be safe at the same time! Local dealers; Parkinson Motorcycles, Newcome Bros Motorcycles, Jim Aim Motorcycles and Hein Gerick of Braintree have come on board as contributors for the fashion show and help promote the benefits of wearing protective clothing. There will be two shows on the day giving bikers the opportunity to view the latest styles available including a variety of different ranges from the more affordable for the younger scooter riders to the high end racing outfits.

Mick Green of Essex Police, said: “We want motorcyclists to enjoy their bikes and the Essex roads, and most riders who come out with us on a Bike safe day go away enjoying their riding much more. The Bike safe event gives motorcyclists the chance to ride various new demos while having a ride out with a Bike safe assessor; it is a great opportunity for free, so come along and have a go!”

Chris Rust, Interim Manager of the Maldon District Community Safety Partnership, said: “Bikesafe is crucial to the safety of motorcyclists on the county’s roads. The event’s success and popularity grows every year and the partnership fully supports Essex Police in its drive to reduce casualties and educate riders to ride carefully and sensibly.”

The event will also see the launch of the 2011 Essex Air Ambulance Motorcycle Run which will take place on Sunday 11th September 2011. The Air Ambulance team will be on hand to provide details and bikers will have the opportunity to pre-register to secure their place in the run.

Wendy Byland of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, said: “We are delighted to be involved once again in delivering an event that promotes safer motorcycling. We will be launching the 12th annual Essex Air Ambulance Motorcycle Run, our biggest fundraising event, which last year raised in excess of £37,000 for the charity! When planning this event the safety of the motorcyclists who take part in the run is key and we work very closely with Essex Police to promote safe riding and road safety in general. The Air Ambulance regularly responds to incidents involving motorcycles and, as ever, we continue to be extremely grateful for the tremendous support we receive from the motorcycling community. If you want to take part in this year’s run please come down to Burnham and visit our stand to sign up there and then.”

Tags: Bike Safety Event