Research shows that motorcyclists are more likely to be injured in serious or fatal crashes than car drivers.

In 2006, 599 motorcyclists died and 5,885 were seriously injured in road accidents nationally. Twenty six motorcyclists were killed or seriously injured in road crashes on the Isle of Wight during the same period.

So why not come and join experts and share their riding knowledge by enrolling on a “Better Riding Course” at the Isle of Wight Council’s Road Safety Department.

Not only will you improve your riding skills, but you will also minimise the risk of being involved in a collision.

The better riding courses are only recommended for full licence holders.

The course consists of a series of two hour sessions over three weeks. Most of the sessions are based on the police rider’s handbook and better motorcycling, ‘Roadcraft.’

The lessons are supported with films and other visual aids to assist riders in gaining an understanding of the term, ‘advanced riding technique’ and to encourage riders to adopt a more comprehensive approach to defensive riding.

All trainers and assessors are highly experienced riders.

The final session is call first aid and the motorcyclist. This is a practical session organised by skilled first aid practitioners.

Following the theory element of the course there will also be a rider assessment conducted by experienced police / road safety experts in advanced riding. A full written report is then given on all aspects of the ride with practical suggestions on where any improvements can be made.

The next course will start on Monday 13th September 2010

This is a three week course with an assessment at the end from a professional rider. N.B The practical sessions are booked separately at a mutually agreed time / date at the end of the last theory session.

Courses are run in the evenings 7.30pm to 9:30pm at Enterprise House, Newport. To book on the course, please contact Mervyn Goldring on (01983) 823777 or email [email protected]

The total cost of the course is £12 for seven hours of expert training.