Kick-start for safety of young motorbikers on the roads
Young riders are being prepared for life on the roads with safety workshops.
The workshops are part of a pilot scheme that are on offer to 16 to 21-year-olds because they are more likely to be involved in a crash. They will have the chance to have £50 off their Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course by attending a two hour workshop which offers advice on safer riding, rules of the road and an overview of the Highway Code.
If the £1,500 scheme, co-ordinated by Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership, is successful, it will be rolled out across the county.
Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Staffordshire County Council, Helen Fisher said: “Staffordshire continues to have some of the safest roads in the country which is something we are very proud of and have worked hard to achieve.
“While we have seen a reduction in motorcycle casualties over the last 10 years which is encouraging news, we want to reduce this even further. Young bikers are particularly at risk on the roads and our campaigns will help make them better, safer riders.
“Having to only complete the CBT before embarking on their riding life means young riders are very inexperienced with little knowledge of the Highway Code and the ‘Rules of the Road’. Our new workshops will not only give them the extra knowledge and skills to keep them safe but they’ll save money on the cost of the course too.”
The first two workshops will be held at Cannock Fire Station on Friday 1 June, from 6.30pm to 9.00pm and Burton Fire Station on Friday 8 June, from 6.30pm to 9.00pm.
Places are limited and young people need to book their place by emailing bikers@staffordshire.gov.uk or by contacting Kevin Wilcox on 07855 336922.
The Young Biker BBQ’s which will run over the summer will also give riders a further opportunity to get advice from the road safety team and meet other partners and fellow bikers.
Other initiatives running to improve the safety of young bikers include the ‘The Adventures of Biker Jack’ mobile app, with more advice, videos and a competition run through the StaffsBikerJack Facebook page.
Further details on the campaigns are available on www.staffsyoungriders.co.uk
