An initiative run by all eight Scottish Police forces along with the British Motorcyclists Federation, The Motorcycling Action Group, the Scottish Road Safety Campaign and Lloyds UTD RIGP Finance. The Assessed Rides season runs from April to September.
2001 is year two of a five-year initiative aimed at decreasing the amount of crashes involving riders of all powered two wheeled vehicles and increasing the skills of the riders who participate in the scheme. The Scheme is FREE and is open to all holders of FULL motorcycle licences.
An applicant fills in their application form and is then given an appointment to attend at one of the monthly theory nights, applicants MUST attend a theory night before being allowed to take an assessed ride.
The theory night involves a talk by the Road Safety Department on Safety Aspects regarding clothing, footwear, helmets etc. There is also a talk by a Police Advanced Motorcycle Instructor on observations, positioning of and general aspects of safer riding. A discussion/question and answer session follows.
Shortly after the particular monthly theory night, a police motorcyclist will contact the applicant to arrange a mutually agreeable time and place for the two-hour session with him/her. The applicant the followed on a route and assessed by the police rider who, at the de-brief at the end of the run, gives advice, pointers and observations about the riders about the riders ability, good points are also highlighted.
The applicant is then sent in the post a Bikesafe Scotland Certificate to show that they have taken part in the Scheme. Addresses of establishments in their area, who offer advanced training, should the applicant want to take things further are also included.
All applicants’ machines and documents are checked for legality prior to going on the road. Speed limits are adhered to.
There were 804 participants Scotland wide in 2000. Following the 2001 Scottish Motorcycle Show, over 250 nation-wide to date. The scheme has proved so popular in Strathclyde Police area that they have had to close their books as it is already oversubscribed in their area.
Any person who is unable to be fitted into a ride in the six month period is automatically carried over into the following year and put to the top of he list.
An evaluation of Bikesafe Scotland is shortly to be commissioned by the SRSC.
If you are interested in applying to take part in Bikesafe Scotland, contact your local police force.