Seasons turn for motorcycle road safety

Local road safety officers are urging motorcyclists to take up their offer of a free or subsidised rider assessment day, as the onset of autumn heralds new hazards on the road.

The successful ‘Take Control’ scheme funded by both the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia and Warwickshire Road Safety Unit has already attracted more than 700 participants since it was introduced in April 2009. Although places will still be available until March next year, now is the best time to hone riding skills before riding conditions become more difficult. Communications Manager for the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia, Katy Jenkins explains:-

“There are plenty of slow-moving agricultural vehicles on our rural roads at the moment and motorcyclists shouldn’t assume that they will be warned about ‘tractors turning’ or ‘mud on the road’ before they encounter such hazards. Foggy mornings can reduce visibility and leave road surfaces slippery and even ground frost will occur over the next few weeks”.

Some motorcycling enthusiasts will not ride their machines through the worst of winter, but many motorcycling clubs continue to socialise and ‘group ride’ throughout the year and, in particular, two-wheeled commuters use their bikes daily. Katy Jenkins continues:-

“We have about 46,000 licensed bikes in Shropshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Warwickshire and a significant number of them are on the road all year round. Now is the best time to polish up riding techniques, iron out any bad habits – all road users have them! – and be prepared to safely negotiate the changing conditions through autumn and winter. The Take Control instructors incorporate on-road assessments and a few coffee breaks to discuss all of these aspects of safe year-round riding”.

Take Control is available to all motorcycle, moped and scooter riders living in or travelling through Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and neighbouring Warwickshire. Half day assessments are free and a full day is subsidised at just £30.00 to the rider. No test is involved.

For more information and bookings, go to www.takecontroltraining.co.uk or telephone (0845) 370 91 91 or eMail info@90-ONE.com