News Release
Skills for safe driving
Dated: 04 Apr 2007
Motorbike riders are being given the chance by Northumbria Police to improve their riding skills.
The force is hosting more of its free 'Cornering Clinics', an initiative which is part of the force's Roads Respect Campaign.
The clinics, which aim to improve safety and reduce the number of casualties, began several years ago after force research showed two out of every five collisions involving motorbikes occurred on corners.
Lasting for two hours, the first clinic will be held this Saturday, April 7, with three more on April 14 and May 5 and 12, between 10am and noon, at Northumberland County Hall, Morpeth.
The clinics will include a presentation by two of Northumbria's motorcycle officers plus the chance to go on a short accompanied ride with motorcyclists from organisations like Northumbria Advanced Motorcyclist and RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders.
There is also a chance to speak to a senior officer before the clinic at 9.30am and again at 11.30am.
Chief Inspector Kevin Wellden of Northumbria's Operations Department, said: " The clinics always prove popular. The whole idea is for people to continue to enjoy riding motorbikes but in a safe way.
" The assessors go out and ride with members of the public, giving advice on their riding skills and educating them on how to better handle their machines."
The clinics are backed by Northumbria's Weekender operation which will be running from April for six months in Northumberland Area Command.
Weekender works on two levels - education, which includes the Cornering Clinics, and enforcement, with yellow cards issued giving advice and warnings for common errors and prosecution for more serious or dangerous offences.
Northumbria Police also works with its partners from Northumberland Fire and Rescue and road safety officers from the local authorities.