Back from Bikesafe

the one I did in Stoke lasted a couple of hours, and was free. I've heard of the two day one that costs about £80 I think, and this one looks like summat in between. What did it cost?

Whole day was free (you had to send a cheque for £10 to book a place, but if you turned up you got it back).

I have to say I didn't think the rideout was very worthwhile when I did it

I liked it. Didn't learn vast amounts, but for me the main thing was finding out i haven't picked up too many bad (or dangerous) habits in just over a year of riding, so that alone was worth it.

One thing the police rider did tell us, and I just can't get on with it, is to put the bike into neutral at lights and put right foot down, holding it on front brake - total opposite of the test training

Originally Posted by Mr P

I liked it. Didn't learn vast amounts, but for me the main thing was finding out i haven't picked up too many bad (or dangerous) habits in just over a year of riding, so that alone was worth it.

That was pretty much what I was told: "Yeah not bad, you're not dangerous, not gonna kill yourself right away..."

Well it's nice to be reasured, but there must have been something critical he could have said. I (like everyone I'm sure) like to think my riding's fairly decent, but I can't imagine it's perfect and that there was nothing else he could have said.

Not that it mattered, because it wasn't a realistic environment for observation anyway, because I don't stick that ridgedly to speed limits, nor do I overtake so infrequently. And, quite frankly, after riding so sedately all day I was so bored and inattentive by the end my riding went to pot when usually it would be ok.

Originally Posted by Mr P

One thing the police rider did tell us, and I just can't get on with it, is to put the bike into neutral at lights and put right foot down, holding it on front brake - total opposite of the test training

Err

The police rider I was with made sure we were using the rear brake - he wasn't bothered if we but it into neurtal or not.

[BillyC]

Originally Posted by Jdubya

Ta for that...feeling a bit better now about meeting Kent plod

I did the Kent Bikesafe last year. You're in good hands - true bikers. They used to be a 30+ strong rider fleet, but the new Kent Chief cut them down to just 10. Either way, the knowledge is still there.

The only downside is the location, if they're still basing it from the A20 in the bottom end of Kent just outside Dover. Bloody miles from most of Kent!

The format last year was a discussion evening, followed by a full road ride day. I picked up a lot, and it changed my riding overnight!

Generally you don't need to worry too much about sports cans and visors. Number plates - they'd rather you didn't take the **** out of them!

You're in for a good day - listen, watch, learn, practice.

[timwilky]

My local plod will not do bike safe, they refer you to the council road safety team who run a course for £120.

Even the guy from the council admits that Lancs plod have scored an own goal for police/biker relations

[BillyC]

Originally Posted by timwilky

My local plod will not do bike safe, they refer you to the council road safety team who run a course for £120.

Even the guy from the council admits that Lancs plod have scored an own goal for police/biker relations

They probably just don't have the resources to do it. The Kent one takes up all the Police bikes for the entire county, and another dozen or more officers and paramedics, to coach the bikers that attend.

It's fantastic that they do it, but you can't slag off a force that cannot afford to give that dedication, to improving your abilities.