Police Bikesafe

[Jbrebel]

Just done mine today.

All I can say is

Well worth it. Top day out.

Covered 140 miles or so between 11.45 and 16.00 including lunch.

Day started at 8am. Breifing then a couple hour presentation about the ethos of the intiative and the reasons behind the day. Including a few tea/biscuit breaks-which always helps

Then a document check-licence, insurance, MOT. Then off for the observed ride out. 2 riders per copper. Well, we would have got straight off if I hadn't had a exhaust mount bolt shear on the way...lost my tax disc holder and tax disc...that'll be another £8 to the b#stard DVLA then at some point At least I have a spare tax safe.

Tie wraps are a God send at times

Exhaust sorted off we went. Got to be honest-tis a bit weired having a Police BMW 1200RT in your mirrrors for 50 miles. Eneded up riding like I was on test-which I'd promised I wouldn't do on the way there-but I couldn't help it

Got a bollocking off the copper for riding like a sofety and off we went again with the other rider in front.

This kid is a trackday rider usually jesus he was impressive-bike control/confidence wise-maybe not "road safe" wise if you catch me drift?

I wish I could take corners half as good has he did though even the copper was impressed with his "enthusiasm" skill wise Wasn't so impressed by his risk taking though, which he did get advised on

Dinner next (free )-de brief-then another run back to HQ. Same set up.

Improved-or actually decided to enjoy myself in the avo and picked up loads of good pointers. Gave it some welly too which helped The other lad adapted too and learnt loads. While I "step it up" he kind of "reigned it in"

Got back, full chat and feedback about the day and a brew.

After that, certificate, goody bag (Police Road Craft book, t-shirt, bumf, etc, etc ) evaluation sheet and a handshake.

I can honestly say no matter what "level" you think your at, or what competancies you have it's well worth a go. Plus the fact the bike coppers we met today were brillaint. It's a shame they're a dying breed


SY Police are having a Bikesafe event next weekend. Free entry (I believe) and loads of stuff to see plus free demo's see here http://www.bikesafeshow.co.uk/

If you get chance to do it give it a go. It's a top day-credit to the coppers as they do it voluntarily on days off too

[Jazzscot]

I did my two weeks ago up here in Fife. I can honestly say that it is one of the best days out I have had on my bike. Lots of info and tips. I must say my view on the traffic cops has changed. They are just like the rest of us.

If you aint done it, get a course booked.

Jazz

[Anotherbikerbabe]

I did my Bikewise with Durham Police last May with my mate Jayne, it was a cracking day out all over the back of Durham etc. I would totally recommend it to anyone as it makes you thing about things much more than before and road positioning etc etc. Totally worthwhile. A great day out

[Buckers]

Amen. I did mine with Leeds bobbies and they were mint. Keep it safe, not too silly at the top end, read the road and be progressive with traffic - that's the key to road speed.

Not useful advice for a track but I felt a lot better and confident I was a good road rider. Well worth the cash IMHO

[rmh]

I did one in Wiltshire and was disappointed .....

They had about 25 people and the rideout assessment was quite short with lots of videos and chat.

That was OK but at the document check i was told "i dont like sports bikes" and detected some attitude....and after the assessment i got pretty much ZERO feedback which was odd....i must have done something right/wrong to comment on or improve on ???

My mate did it on the same day and had a better experience but it depends who you go out with.....and if maybe they have had a bad day
Would not say it was a waste of time but not the best day out ......

I did contact my insurance company and they confirm i can have 10% discount (It depend on the underwriter) but only if i remind them at renewal....a bit odd when you consider Carole Nash sponser Bikesafe ?!?!?!?

[benny hedges]

I did one in Wiltshire and was disappointed .....

tbh m8 if i'd picked up an attitude like that i'd have lost him at the first twisties.
arseholes.
wtf is all that about - it's just going to make you dislike / distrust them even more - if that's possible.
don't like sportsbikes??? what was he riding> a benly?

he's probably the one nobody likes, billy no mates, wife getting boned while he's out riding.
put it down to experience - that's exactly why i won't bother.
stuff the 10% - what's that, £7.80

at least you got your discount m8 - ACAB crouton em.

[marlbororman]

stuff the 10% - what's that, £7.80

hmm my isurance is same as yours then We both must be getting old

[Jbrebel]

I went yesterday to the event at the Sheffield Arena with my old fella.

Top day out for free. Gave some Help for Heroes as we didn't pay to get in. Loads of bits to look at, plenty to do. Enjoyed watching the supermotos racing-never seen that before live feck me, they fly (literally )

I did one in Wiltshire and was disappointed ...

SYorks must be a different breed mate-they were ace and I'm not a "pro Police" person on the whole

i'd have lost him at the first twisties.

Dunno what skill level your at BH tbh? Have you ridden with a Police bike officer at all? Understand what you mean about the attitude thing.

[Twinpotter]

I read this post with interest and signed up for the one event in Bedfordshire this year at Luton Fire Station on 4th July. And it was fun!

A ride out one on one with a police rider (he's following) and you just do your thing (within the limits) over a predetermined route. A typical blend of urban, suburban, country and dual carriageway stuff. After a 45 minute spin, stuck behind and waiting to pass skittish Sunday drivers, random pram pop-outs, the odd tractor and a (poss. mullered) cyclist doing the sine wave on a country lane, we get back for a cup of tea, a roll (the firemen scoffed all the sticky buns) and a blether. I am debriefed, he completes the assessment sheet (ten disciplines rated A to D) and I get a certificate (shame the prominent BikeSafe logo is pixelated!).

So what did I learn? Police bikers (at least in Bedfordshire) are bikers first and they're great on a ride out. And each one to a man was genuinely a very decent bloke.

I recommend it.