As summer settles in and the roads become busier, Wiltshire Police is urging road users to be mindful of motorcyclists, cyclists, and horse riders. Recent weeks have seen several serious incidents involving motorcyclists, highlighting the need for enhanced awareness and caution.
In line with their ongoing efforts to improve road safety, Wiltshire Police is promoting BikeSafe, a national police-run initiative aimed at helping motorcyclists hone their skills and raise awareness of the importance of post-test training.
The BikeSafe programme, which Wiltshire Police has supported for over 20 years, offers riders the chance to participate in workshops led by police motorcyclists or approved observers from IAM or RoSPA. These workshops cover a wide range of essential riding techniques, from hazard perception to cornering and braking, all designed to make motorcycling safer.
Inspector John Hutchings, Wiltshire Police’s lead for BikeSafe, said: “While BikeSafe isn’t a formal training programme, it provides vital sessions on improving hazard awareness and overall safety on the roads. Each session culminates in an observed on-road ride, giving participants hands-on experience in real-time conditions.”
Hutchings stressed the force’s commitment to reducing road fatalities: “Any fatality on our roads is one too many. As police officers, we witness the lasting devastation that road deaths cause for the families and friends of riders and drivers. We are committed to improving road safety for everyone.”
Wiltshire Police’s summer road safety campaign, which launched last week, focuses on the ‘Fatal Five’ driving offences – speeding, drink and drug driving, mobile phone use, not wearing a seatbelt, and careless driving. The campaign carries a clear message: there is ‘no excuse’ for committing these offences.
In addition to BikeSafe, Wiltshire motorcyclists can also take advantage of the Biker Down course, offered by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. The free three-hour course teaches riders how to manage the scene of a crash, provide basic life support, and make themselves more visible to other road users.
For further details on BikeSafe or to register interest, visit the Wiltshire Police website. To learn more about Biker Down, head to their Facebook page.
