BikeSafe Vs. IAM

Originally Posted by 600+

As an IAM observer I have not noticed this on any of the books.....could you please point it out to me?

I know for a fact that NO ONE in our group suggests this! So I am wondering whether you just misunderstood the comment or whether indeed someone is talking porkies from the IAM group you've been in

I was chatting to Lissa about this this morning Moses. Maybe it's if coming up to a left hander and you swing out to maximize your view a fast vehicle, probably a bike riding more recklessly, possibly decides to overtake on that bend from behind you. Just a thought. But they have got to be updatiing the methods we use on the roads as vehicles get quicker and roads more congested. I mean otherwise we'd still have to allow for the guy with the red flag walking in front otherwise.

Incidentally I always forget to do my shoulder checks. Old joints is my excuse.

Approaching a left hand bend you would position yourself as further possible to the right to maximise your forward observation. BEFORE approaching the bend you could do a mirror check but this is all I can think of tbh......shoulder checks are only done while preparing to overtake or merging on to a motorway type of situation.

Been trying to picture what u're saying Pete but I'm struggling to see any reasoning behind doing this as mentioned above.

Ah yes - had an associate a bit older than you with this sort of problems (arthritis) and obviously you can only ride within your limits.

so SLOW DOWN OLD MAN lol

Originally Posted by 600+

Approaching a left hand bend you would position yourself as further possible to the right to maximise your forward observation. BEFORE approaching the bend you could do a mirror check but this is all I can think of tbh......shoulder checks are only done while preparing to overtake or merging on to a motorway type of situation.

Been trying to picture what u're saying Pete but I'm struggling to see any reasoning behind doing this as mentioned above.

Ah yes - had an associate a bit older than you with this sort of problems (arthritis) and obviously you can only ride within your limits.

so SLOW DOWN OLD MAN lol

Well yes you hit the nail on the head young un. Not the slow down bit , but the using your mirrors.

hahaha and there was me thinking he admitted to that????!!! but obviously not LOL

My personal opinion is to pay a proffesional trainer if you want advanced training. It's the best way to do it but also the most expensive way. IAM is good for the masses but I do not agree with some of their 'training'. Like the 'dominant' position nonesense. All in all IAM is great value for money but too many people seem to think that it's the bee's knee's and once you've passed the test that's it. It all helps but IAM really need to modernise their image a little.

horses for courses Dan

do you agree with all the law says? probably not.....well at least the IAM gives u the opportunity to speak to someone and then its up to you to take it or leave it

Originally Posted by 600+

horses for courses Dan

do you agree with all the law says? probably not.....well at least the IAM gives u the opportunity to speak to someone and then its up to you to take it or leave it

Couldn't agree more. And it is the best value for money training you can get. I just want more.

I went on the ?80 Gwent Bikesafe weekend last July. It comprised two full days with lunch supplied. We did 150 miles of observed riding each day. Either one on one, or one on two observing. It rained both days. They also do free 1 hour sessions out of Abergavenny bus station some sundays.

To me it was well worth the money and time. I got increased skills and confidence out of it. I would recommend it to anyone who wanted to brush up on their skills or iron out any (maybe unnoticed) bad habits.

At the end of the day it boils down to the individual and what they get out of it. I've heard many good things about both Bikesafe and IAM as well as bad things.

My point about the shoulder checks etc going into corners was that in my experience the need to follow "road craft" to the letter is felt to be far more necessary by some groups of IAM riders than the reality demands i.e the corner you are approaching at speed is where you should really be looking. This is my feeling here, I am not saying that that is the way that the IAM teach it.

It is a case of horses for courses. I took what I felt was important from the IAM and do not want to seem to criticise them as an organisation. A hell of a lot better than nothing at all! But for me 1 on 1 instruction from an ex-police rider taught me a lot quicker and with more relevant information. I felt more confident after those sessions than with the IAM.

Its not just a case of you get what you pay for. For me, one method was more suited to me than the other. A personal thing.