1st September 2010

BRIDPORT: Motorcycle safety days

Motorcyclists are being invited by Dorset County Council to free skills sessions on local roads that could help save their lives.

Starting on September 11th, the four autumn ‘Ride Safe’ events are geared towards enhancing road-riding skills and provide a chance to ride out on local roads with advanced instructors.

Each session begins with a 90-minute presentation designed to help riders become more aware of the risks and hazards of riding on the roads.

Then, those signed up for the practical ride-out will take a rider and bike check before riding the route with an Institute of Advanced Motorists Group Observer.

The observer will watch them ride and give feedback to improve their hazard awareness and road-riding skills while helping them get more enjoyment out of riding their bike.

The events take place from 9am to 1pm at the following locations:

Saturday September 11th – Willowbed Hall, Chickerell, DT3 4AJ Route: Weymouth to Bridport coast road (B3157) and return

Sunday, September 19th – Furzebrook Village Hall, BH20 5AR. Route: Wareham to Swanage (A351) returning via the B3069

Saturday, September 25th – Morden Village Hall, BH20 7DL Route: Bere Regis to Sturminster Marshall (A31), to Blandford (A350) returning on the A354/C6

Saturday, October 2nd – Osmington Village Hall, DT3 6EF. Route: Osmington to Crossways (A353/B3390), to Dorchester (C33), returning via Broadmayne/Came Down on the A352/C54

To take part in the ride-out, riders need to be a full licence holder and their bike must be 250cc or over, taxed, insured and with a current MOT certificate if applicable.

Ride Safe is a Dorset Road Safe partnership initiative led by Dorset County Council, the Dorchester and West Dorset Advanced Motorcyclists and the Bournemouth and Wessex Advanced Motorcyclists groups.

Bikers will also be able to find out about a first aid training course for motorcyclists run by South West Ambulance Service.

Booking is essential as places are limited. Contact the road safety team on (01305) 224267 or email roadsafety@dorsetcc.gov.uk