Police motorcycle training

One for the biker coppers/paramedics on here that have done it.

I'm doing a powerpoint presentation to my consultant tomoz (yep I'm a last minute guy) regarding Motorcycle Response Units in the London Ambulance Service.

I have been trying to gather as much info as possible so far in terms of facts and figures, as well as looking at journals from other countries that have produced quantitative data in terms of a motorcycles response time in the urban setting compared to a regular ambulance.

Anyway, one of the slides is paramedic/rider safety, and I read on the LAS website that all their riders undergo police motorcycle training. I'm thinking of doing a whole slide or two on this, instead of just mentioning it.

So what exactly does police rider training entail? How many hours do you have to do, is their some sort of formal assessment, specific techniques, etc. Also it would be appreciated if anyone knew wether the paramedic riders have to do exactly the same course or a shortened version, etc.

Thanks

[yorkie_chris]

Ask rictus, but I don't think he'll be on the forum for a few days.

I have a close paramedic friend and generally, paramedics train to just as high a standard as police so I imagine they will undergo the same course. I will endeavour to confirm this for you asap.

cheers
& thanks MBK.

start mine on monday- Standard course entails the following over two week period out on bikes best part of 8 hours a day

Comp knowledge of highway code
Practical knowledge of system of motorcycle control
Starting and stopping drills
Effective observations, planning and hazard perception
Operation of all machine controls
Machine positioning safety in relation to road, weather traffic conditions
Correct application of cornering
On progress ride demonstrate ability to formulate effective riding plan

All the above contain there own set systems which have to be displayed exactly as stated in the manuals-the pre-read stuff is very intense and it highlights the requirement that everything is done in order everytime.
My heads nipping with it-had three days off to get the pre-read stuff to sink in.At the momment there's no requirement for commentary but that may change in the future.

husky

Read a copy of road craft that may give you some understanding on the theory side of things.

Its a 3 week course from talking to riders, its quite hard to pass.

[Red Herring]

Copy of PM I sent to Thulfi..


OK assuming you are starting with a full bike licence (some forces will train this basic standard but not many now) the first course you will need to complete is known as a "Standard" course. This is usually two or three weeks duration and generally two or three "students" to an instructor. On a standard course you cover all the classroom input on Roadcraft (the police riders manual) with daily tests each morning on what you should have swotted the night before, plus in the first few days questions on the highway code as well. The riding itself is done on normal marked service machines (Pans, BMW, FJ's or whatever that force uses), although some forces, mine included, have got in a varied fleet including some VFR's and CB1000's that are unmarked. Each pupil takes their turn at the front, followed by the Instructor and the others play catch up behind, and expect at least two turns at the front each day. Most forces restrict Standard courses to 100mph on derestricted roads (they obviously expect you to observe posted limits) but the course will include a specific exercise on blues and two where you can then break these limits as well. At the end of the course you get a one on one assessment by another instructor/examiner which you have to pass to be authorized.

After you have between six to twelve months operational experience with a Standard permit you can be put on an Advanced course. This follows much the same format as the Standard course with the exception of no upper speed limits, so can be quite progressive at times. The margin for error is much less on an Advanced course with very few mistakes expected or forgiven. You would be expected to buy bacon rolls for the whole crew if you so much as clipped a double white line..... It's not just about speed though, the emphasis is very much on smooth unobtrusive progress and this is only achieved with excellent observation, anticipation and planning. It's all about reading the road and other traffic and being one step ahead of both, whatever the circumstance. Remember the four S's. Safety, System, Smoothness, Speed. If you can't manage all three lose the speed first....just don't expect to be considered advanced....!

I know of at least one local paramedic who has completed the police course up to and including advanced standard.

[Ch00]

In the Met as mentioned in the above posts its a 3 week course riding for about 7 hours a day even if your not lead bike you still need to keep up! There’s also a 1 day off road day using trail bikes, we go to Army ground in Surrey for that.

The 1st week was mainly riding in on the Hendon Estate round a cone track and getting use to the bikes at very low speed. We were allowed to go 110mph on the nationals where safe too.

It is the Met police that run the courses for the LAS? They are still using Pans.

[Mej]

i think that would be a pretty good job but i imainge you would have to do some time on the beat first and then i have heard it is hard to come by.

[Ch00]

Originally Posted by Mej

i think that would be a pretty good job but i imainge you would have to do some time on the beat first and then i have heard it is hard to come by.

You have to pass your probation which is 2 years of normal service.

Then either apply for Traffic, Safer Transport Command, Special Escort Group (rarer that unicorn poo) or Diplomatic Group.

They are the main users of motorbikes in London.