Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe (centre) is joined by Warwickshire Police Inspector Si Paull (left) and Martin Ward, chairman of the RoSPA Coventry Advanced Riders.
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Seccombe, is supporting the upskilling of motorcyclists in Warwickshire by funding subsidised training places to help improve their knowledge, skills and safety on the roads.
A grant of £9,140 from the Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s Grants scheme 24/25 has been awarded to ‘Coventry Riders’, a long established advanced motorcycle training group, accredited by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) for their ‘Become a safer rider project’. The project offers a subsidised route for motorcyclists to achieve their RoSPA advanced rider qualification, contributing to safer and more courteous riders using the roads.
Subsidised places are available now, and for a £57 joining fee, motorcyclists will receive an allocated Coventry Riders tutor offering up to eight 1:1 on-road tuition at a time to suit you (weekdays or weekends). Sessions typically last between 2.5 and 4 hours covering between 80-120 miles. People will also get free access to Coventry Riders Skills Courses including Slow Riding, Cornering, Overtaking and Advanced Rider Days.
To support their journey towards the RoSPA advanced rider qualification, those who join will also receive ‘free’ copies of Motorcycle Road Craft, the Highway Code and Know your Traffic Signs books worth a total of £32.When they are test ready, a test fee of £85 (as of Jan 2024) is payable to RoSPA which will also include the annual RoSPA membership.
For those still wondering whether to sign up, Coventry Riders are offering free 45 minute check rides to experience the benefits of advanced rider training before signing up for the full RoSPA advanced rider training.
Philip Seccombe, Police and Crime Commissioner and Chair of Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership said: “Improving road safety for all road users, especially those who are more vulnerable in a collision like motorcyclists, is a priority for myself and road safety partners in Warwickshire.
“One way we can do this is to help bikers to upskill, which is why I am proud to support the work of RoSPA. The training is a great opportunity to learn from highly skilled professionals who are passionate about bikes, advanced riding, and road safety to help people develop safer riding skills and attitudes.”
Chair of Coventry Riders, Martin Ward said: “This is great time to take up this offer. A RoSPA “Gold” test pass is recognised as one of the highest awards a civilian rider can attain and is well worth having.
“For many riders, it’s not about teaching you anything new but improving the skills you already have. By helping to improve your observation, planning and bike control, you can ride in a safer, smoother, and easier manner.
“Subsidised places are available now but are limited in number. We are encouraging motorcyclists to apply as soon as possible to secure your place because the offer ends once places are filled.
“Our aim is for you not only to become more a knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced biker, but to improve your attitudes and behaviours to help you continue to enjoy some great rides out for many years to come. “
For more information visit www.coventryadvancedriders.co.uk or email membership@coventryadvancedriders.co.uk
