OK, so you’ve done the CBT and DAS, and you’ve passed the practical bike test. Well done!

The examiner is now a great bloke, a mate in fact, and the test was a piece of cake, right?   Wrong!

Examiners don’t have friends, and if the test was a piece of cake, everybody would pass, and there wouldn’t be a cake!

So. What now? Are we a good rider with enough knowledge and skill, not to mention experience, to last up to the day we hang our helmet up, or until we can no longer get our leg over the saddle? Or, do we become a member of the Self Preservation Society?   A few facts may help you come to a sensible decision.

FACT    3,500 people died on Britain’s roads last year.

FACT     95% of accidents result from driver/rider error

FACT     75% of accidents happen in built-up areas

FACT     90% of motorcyclists injured are male

FACT     A motorcyclist is 35% more likely to be killed or seriously injured – the Self Preservation Society must, without doubt, become more appealing.

FACT     All good things in life, if it’s worth having, usually means time, effort and money, though not necessarily in that order

Motorcyclists involved in overtakes account for 15% of accidents.

Wet weather skids account for 30% of accidents involving motorcyclists.

Cornering and loss of control 13%

Has the penny dropped?

So what is this Advanced Motorcycling? In a nutshell, it’s about being in the right place, at the right speed, at the right time. Sounds simple enough.   So why so many accidents?   Some nuts are bigger than others, so let’s expand a little and give you some pointers.

1. Defensive riding/hazard awareness allows us to plan/anticipate situations.
   
   


2.  Good all-round observational skills allow us to make safe/sensible decisions.
   
   


3. Positive attitude/confidence keeps things stress-free.
   
   


4. An awareness of the machine’s capabilities and our own to keep within the comfort zone.
   
   


5. The ability to be self-critical to enable us to improve and perfect.
   
   


6. To increase the sense of pride and achievement, and also the grin factor, knowing we’ve done it well.

Where do I go from here?   Well, there are many organisations who provide advanced training at varying levels. The two major organisations, RosPA and the IAM, provide training geared to roadcraft which uses a “5-point” system, to which the police are trained. These training courses lead to the Advanced Motorcycle Test, and I highly recommend them, the skills and knowledge you will gain will amaze you.   Costs are from £100.00 upwards.

Some police forces with a motorcycle section offer a “Bikesafe” scheme which includes an assessment of your riding and pointers on how to improve.

The Driving Standards Agency have recently introduced the “Enhanced Rider Scheme,” which is carried out by DSA approved Motorcycle Trainers, maybe your instructor who took you through the DAS training is registered.   Prices will obviously vary, but quality is assured.

NB. I would always check the credentials of your “trainer” to ensure they are qualified to train to your requirements.

So, to sum things up.

• For a little over £100.00 you can learn “Advanced Riding Skills,” which in turn could save your life.
  
   


• You could save about 10% on insurance costs, which could in some circumstances halve the cost of your training.
  
  


•  And you also get free life membership to the Self Preservation Society.

Happy Motorcycling!

Supplied by Andy Parkin - Rideaway Motorcycle Training