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Update your biking skills
POLICE are urging motorcyclists across Dorset to brush up on their biking skills.
Last year's BikeSafe scheme was very successful and new dates have been announced for BikeSafe 2008.
The course, which is aimed at all motorcyclists whether they are returning to biking or ride regularly, will assess bikers on real roads under real everyday conditions to help them gain the skills that could one day save their lives.
The course costs £60 and consists of a classroom-based presentation before a two-hour ride out with a police motorcyclist, who will give the riders a personal assessment of their skills and where they could improve.
BikeSafe co-ordinator PC Chris Smith said: "Sadly last year in Dorset 119 motorcyclists were seriously injured or killed on our roads. These figures are just too high.
"BikeSafe offers riders the opportunity to refresh and improve their skills so they can be confident that they are trained to cope with the conditions on the roads, especially over the busy summer months."
The dates for the BikeSafe course in 2008, subject to operational requirements, are May 18, June 22, July 27, August 10 and September 21.
The Dorset BikeSafe team will also be at the Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford, near Yeovil this Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 4pm.
The event has been organised by the south west police region. Entry is free and there will be many attractions for bikers. There will also be an opportunity for those aged 14-17 to try riding a motorcycle with expert guidance and supervision.
Those who would like to reserve a place on the course or want more information can contact 01305 227670 and ask for BikeSafe or email: bikesafe@dorset.pnn.police.uk
The BikeSafe team will also be at Poole Quay's Coles Miller Dream Machine Bike Night on Tuesday and then the first Tuesday of every month until October, 2008.
12:05pm Friday 11th April 2008
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CommentPosted by: Fishman68, Weymouth on 12:31pm Fri 11 Apr 08
Bikers = organ donors enough said. If they are stupid enough to ride without respect for the road and car users then they derserve what they get!!!
Bikers = organ donors enough said. If they are stupid enough to ride without respect for the road and car users then they derserve what they get!!!
Posted by: Rick, Weymouth on 12:38pm Fri 11 Apr 08
That's very intellegent of you. I have lost count of the amount of times some dozy car driver has pulled out in front of me when my headlight is full on and I am riding within the speed limit.
I am also a car driver and HGV.
You must have been the idiot that sat at the back of class!
That's very intellegent of you. I have lost count of the amount of times some dozy car driver has pulled out in front of me when my headlight is full on and I am riding within the speed limit.
I am also a car driver and HGV.
You must have been the idiot that sat at the back of class!
Posted by: Fishman68, Weymouth on 1:16pm Fri 11 Apr 08
Rick,
I have lost count of the number of idiot bikers that over take and/or undertake on blind corners and hills. They also assume/expect that a car user will pull over to accommodate them when overtaking. You must one of the rare few bikers that observe the speed limit so well done to you! My half century of driving experience suggests to me you’re in the minority of bikers or you’re full of it! For the point of clarity I have an Advance & Defensive drivers certificate and also have no restrictions on the type of vehicles that I am allowed to drive i.e. HGV, bike and car. Also for the record I have probably driven more hours in various vehicles and different countries than you have had hot meals!
An intelligent person who understands the inherit risks associated with biking knows well that UK roads are generally in a poor condition and are down right dangerous to use during the winter months due to ice, man hole covers and oil/diesel leaks etc! So I do not subscribe to your ignorant comments about dozy drivers, usually the reason cars do not see bikers is down to the excessive speed and aggressive over taking that give driver little opportunity to observe there proximity!
I don’t mean to point the blindly obvious out, but headlights should be used when there is insufficient natural light to operate a vehicle safely.
I suggest you take the course on offer and then perhaps you might not feel the necessity to blind car users with your headlights during the daytime.
Rick,
I have lost count of the number of idiot bikers that over take and/or undertake on blind corners and hills. They also assume/expect that a car user will pull over to accommodate them when overtaking. You must one of the rare few bikers that observe the speed limit so well done to you! My half century of driving experience suggests to me you’re in the minority of bikers or you’re full of it! For the point of clarity I have an Advance & Defensive drivers certificate and also have no restrictions on the type of vehicles that I am allowed to drive i.e. HGV, bike and car. Also for the record I have probably driven more hours in various vehicles and different countries than you have had hot meals!
An intelligent person who understands the inherit risks associated with biking knows well that UK roads are generally in a poor condition and are down right dangerous to use during the winter months due to ice, man hole covers and oil/diesel leaks etc! So I do not subscribe to your ignorant comments about dozy drivers, usually the reason cars do not see bikers is down to the excessive speed and aggressive over taking that give driver little opportunity to observe there proximity!
I don’t mean to point the blindly obvious out, but headlights should be used when there is insufficient natural light to operate a vehicle safely.
I suggest you take the course on offer and then perhaps you might not feel the necessity to blind car users with your headlights during the daytime.
Posted by: Bert, Weymouth on 4:59pm Fri 11 Apr 08
Rick,
Don't waste your breath mate - Fishman68's balanced, researched views speak for themselves.
Rick,
Don't waste your breath mate - Fishman68's balanced, researched views speak for themselves.
Posted by: DingDonG, Wilds of Wiltshire on 10:42pm Fri 11 Apr 08
Bert, Weymouth
Fishman68, Weymouth
Rick, Weymouth
Glad we all got horses up here!
Bert, Weymouth
Fishman68, Weymouth
Rick, Weymouth
Glad we all got horses up here!
Posted by: Bert, Weymouth on 2:54pm Sat 12 Apr 08
DingDonG,
Bet your horses don't wear blinkers, unlike our car drivers in Dorset! (sorry, couldn't resist).
DingDonG,
Bet your horses don't wear blinkers, unlike our car drivers in Dorset! (sorry, couldn't resist).
Posted by: derek, dorset on 11:12pm Tue 6 May 08
every car driver should take a month outn
on 2 wheels to see the othern side of the story
every car driver should take a month outn
on 2 wheels to see the othern side of the story
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