A new season of Biker Down courses is about to start in Wiltshire and Swindon, with continued sponsorship from AJN Steelstock.
Biker Down is a national road safety initiative targeted at motorcyclists, which was originally conceived and started by Kent Fire & Rescue Service, and started in Wiltshire three years ago. It has now expanded to be under the umbrella of the National Fire Chiefs Council, with fire bike teams promoting safer riding and encouraging further/advanced rider training.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service runs the scheme in Wiltshire and Swindon, with a three-part programme that can be delivered in multiple locations, free of charge to those taking part. The Service also supports Biker Down in Dorset, where it is run by the charity Doc Bike.
Station Manager Dean Hoskins, who leads on Biker Down Wiltshire, said: “Although the pandemic has limited the number of courses we’ve been able to run over the past two years, the ones we have held have been extremely successful. The feedback we’ve received from bikers has been really positive, and the continued support from AJN Steelstock means we can reach even more people over the coming 12 months.”
Alan Boyden, joint managing director at AJN Steelstock, added: “The knowledge and experience that can be gained from the Biker Down courses enable bikers to confidently apply the right techniques during those first few moments after an accident.
“As an experienced biker I know that these actions can be crucial in minimising injuries and helping to save lives and I’m only too pleased to continue our support.”
The Biker Down course is split into three parts – managing the scene of a bike crash; how to take care of a casualty (including the why, when and how of removing a crash helmet); and understanding what may or may not work in making yourself more visible to other road users.
The first sessions of this year are being held at Swindon fire station, and spaces are still available for the course that starts on 16 March. Additional dates will be added soon, visit www.facebook.com/bikerdownwiltshire for more information and booking details.
