A FREE course providing potentially lifesaving advice to motorcyclists is being highlighted.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) has joined forces with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) to support the first national Biker Down safety campaign which is running this week.

Biker Down is a free three-hour course that provides practical advice. It gives riders an awareness of what to do if they are involved with or see an injured motorcyclist, and how to reduce their own risk of being in a collision. The sessions are suitable for riders of all experience levels, whether riding for work, pleasure, or both. More information can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/biker-down

The national campaign will also highlight the importance of motorcycle maintenance and the wearing of legal and protective riding gear.

Station Manager Dean Hoskins, Biker Down lead for DWFRS, said: “Our hope is that this week of action will contribute to reducing the number of riders injured and killed in motorcycle incidents on the roads. Despite motorcycles making up around 1% of vehicle traffic, in 2020 they accounted for 20% of road fatalities and 12% of road injuries nationally."

Tony Crook, NFCC lead for road safety, added: “With an increase in the number of people using motorbikes for both commuting and enjoyment, our aim is to encourage riders to do all they can to ride safe, and ensure they do all they can to be visible on the road.”

Other partners supporting the campaign include the National Police Chiefs Council, the Motorcycle Industry Association, Trading Standards England, Highways England, the National Young Riders Forum, RoSPA, IAM Road Smart and the Motorcycle Action Group, especially since the trade in counterfeit and fake gear has grown in recent years.