What is BikeSafe?
BikeSafe is a nationwide police-led initiative that aims to improve road safety for motorcyclists and reduce the number of riders killed or seriously injured on our roads.
Large numbers of people attend BikeSafe courses which are run by the majority of police forces throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
The idea is to engage with riders in a conflict free environment and get them to consider the causes for crashes involving motorbikes.
There are fewer than you might imagine, with five strong themes emerging throughout the country, simple things that are placing everyday riders in life threatening scenarios: 
- Filtering
- Junctions
- Cornering
- Overtaking
- Group riding
How do the courses work?
The courses look at things like riders’ attitudes on the roads, their motivations and how to respond to other roads users.
You’ll receive a class-room based seminar, in which you can discuss the theories of safer riding and potential solutions to the most prevalent collision factors, followed by relevant first-aid training and an on-road assessment from a police motorcyclist.
The courses are ideal for:
- New riders
- People who may not have ridden for several years
- Riders who aren’t experienced at riding in wintery conditions
- Loved-ones looking for a Christmas present to help keep their relatives safe
BikeSafe is about bridging the gap into accredited training and, following the observed ride element, we’ll prepare for you a development report which you can take to a post-test training provider.
Our aim is to help you increase your ability and confidence and get even more enjoyment from riding your motorcycle.
Click here to see what dates available for courses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
BikeSafe in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
Hampshire Constabulary’s team of BikeSafe officers are:
- Sergeant Gabriel Snuggs (BikeSafe Co-ordinator)
- PC Martin Vine (Western Roads Policing unit)
- PC Craig Bodenham (Eastern Roads Policing unit)
- PC Andy Hammans (Northern Roads Policing unit)
Write to: Bikesafe Coordinator
Roads Policing Unit
Hampshire Constabulary
Totton Police Station
Testwood Lane
Totton
Hampshire, SO40 3Z
Email: gabriel.snuggs@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
Riding in winter road conditions
Many motorcyclists may be excellent at riding in dry conditions but haven’t fully experienced riding on wet roads or windy conditions.
Our courses are perfect to help improve your riding in winter weather in a safe environment and give you the confidence to ride whatever the conditions.
Top tips for motorcyclists
- Before you start over taking, know where you’re going to finish up
- For cornering, enter in the correct position, at the correct speed in the correct gear for the road and the conditions and always be prepared to sacrifice your position on the road for safety
- For group riding, make sure everyone in the group knows the route and cater for different levels of ability
- On approach to junctions think about your position – can you see enough and can you be seen?
- Be prepared to sacrifice your right of way for your safety – ask yourself what’s more important?
- Only filter at the appropriate speed to the traffic around you - can you stop in time if someone changes lane
Find out more about motorcycling and road safety
National BikeSafe website
Department for Transport Th!nk campaign for motorcycling
Follow us on Twitter @HantsPolRoads
