Although bikers represent just 1% of road traffic, they account for nearly 20% of deaths and serious injuries.

As the fine weather approaches, Bridlington will soon become a haven for bikers but there were 340 injured on our region's roads last year and six lost their lives.

Humberside Police have launched Bike Safe, a scheme which aims to cut accidents through better rider training.

The force will run workshops with practical and theory-based lessons aimed at improving a rider's skill and knowledge to better equip them for the everyday hazards of riding.

Deputy Chief Constable David Griffin said: "Bike Safe is an excellent initiative which allows riders to have hands on training in a safe environment.

"It offers riders of all levels, whether they are learners or more experienced, the opportunity to be assessed by police and advanced riders from other organisations."

PC John Mallett is a collision reduction officer and has been involved with Bike Safe since it started in 1997.

"Many riders self-belief is greater than their ability to ride," he said.

"If they were to step back and be open-minded enough to take advantage of the education we offer, then they could become better, safer riders."

He added that they want to break the rider's myth that the police are 'out to get them' and instead work together to create safer roads.

PC Howard Fordhan presents the theory workshops and believes a vital service is performed by the police in passing on their knowledge and experience.

"Everybody goes away having learned something and if that one little thing they learnt keeps them alive then it's been worth it," he said.

"At the end of the day all we want people to do is to think about their riding and be responsible for their actions.

"If you ride safely, you ride for longer."

Ambulance paramedic Dave Prideaux gives a first-aid workshop and provides valuable advice and basic first aid tips.

As a rapid response paramedic, Dave rides the ambulance motorbike and is often first on the scene at road accidents.

"There are a number of simple checks you can do if you find somebody who's been in a road accident," he said, "And sometimes it's those small checks and the information you can provide for the paramedics that can make all the difference."

The course costs £35 and is run from centres in Beverley, Grimsby and Brigg, book in advance by calling 07989 396795.



* Free Press reporter Alexa Copeland says:"Having tried a Bike Safe workshop for myself I can vouch for its usefulness.

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