As Motorcycle Safety Week approaches, Essex County Fire and Rescue Services is actively encouraging motorcyclists to enroll in their FireBike courses, aimed at significantly enhancing riding skills and boosting road safety. The initiative underscores a critical need to address the disproportionate accident rates involving motorcyclists in Essex.
Overview of FireBike Courses
Essex County Fire and Rescue Services offers three specialized FireBike courses designed to cater to various aspects of motorcycle safety:
- Better Biking Course
- Focuses on core skills such as observation, hazard perception, road positioning, gear selection, and overtaking. This course is essential for those looking to refine their riding technique and enhance their road awareness.
- Advanced Machine Skills Course
- This advanced course delves into slow-speed handling, positive steering, throttle control, and emergency maneuvers including avoidance and braking techniques. It’s tailored for riders seeking to master their motorcycle control in various situations.
- First Aid Course
- Equips riders with crucial first aid skills specifically tailored to motorcycle accidents. Participants learn how to administer immediate care in emergency situations, potentially saving lives in critical moments before professional help arrives.
Importance of Training
Motorcycles account for less than 1% of traffic on Essex roads, yet they are involved in 24% of all road traffic collisions that result in death or serious injury. This stark statistic highlights motorcyclists as the highest road user risk group in the region.
Statement from FireBike Manager
Andy Strougler, FireBike Manager for the Service, emphasizes the importance of these training sessions:
“With the weather getting warmer, jumping on a motorbike and enjoying the nice riding conditions is tempting, so we want to keep all riders safe. Our courses are delivered by our FireBike riders, who are qualified to the highest riding award available to the public. It doesn’t matter what age you are or how long you’ve been riding, everyone that leaves us always comes away learning something new. We’d encourage anyone who rides a motorbike to apply to one of our courses. The more people we upskill the safer our roads in Essex will become.”
How to Sign Up
The training is free and open to everyone, regardless of their experience level or the type of motorcycle they ride. These courses are not just about improving riding skills; they also aim to leave participants as safer, more confident riders.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Services is committed to reducing the number of motorcycle-related incidents by providing thorough, accessible training for the community. Motorcyclists interested in taking part in these potentially life-saving courses can sign up by visiting the Essex Fire and Rescue website: Essex FireBike Courses.
By promoting better education and practical skills among motorcyclists, Essex County Fire and Rescue Services hopes to create a safer environment for all road users in the region.
Source: Essex County Fire & Rescue
