MOTORCYCLE safety was on the agenda for Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Ball when he visited a Rider Skills Day organised by the Coventry and Warwick Advanced Motorcyclists.

The event at Shilton Village Hall saw bikers given the chance to have their skills assessed by a qualified observer, with the aim of reducing the number of riders who are killed or seriously injured on our roads.

The observers teach the riders how to maximise progress on the road without endangering themselves and others, as well as offering individually-tailored one-to-one coaching and a comprehensive programme of post-test development. Many of those who complete the rider skills sessions sign up to become members of the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

The advanced motorcyclists group has been awarded £2,500 from the Commissioner’s Grant Scheme to help fund the advanced riding sessions.

Mr Ball said: “I was pleased to be able to go along and see for myself how the Rider Skills Day operates, to talk to the observers and find out more about the work of CWAM.

“There is no doubt that motorcyclists can be among our most vulnerable road users, either through the poor driving of others or through their own bad habits, so it’s great that schemes like this teach riders how they can ride safely and sensibly. I’d urge anyone who is a biker to get themselves along to one of the events and brush up their skills.”

Roger Barratt, chairman of CWAM, said: “We are very grateful for the support of the Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner which I am convinced will make a real difference to the safety of motorcyclists in the Warwickshire area.”