Any qualified rider 18 years old or over who is seeking to improve their abilities and increase the road safety aspect of their riding is welcome. Upon joining you will become an Associate Member. You will then be allocated a Tutor who over a number of practical riding sessions will assist you in your goal to be a better rider.
If you'd like details of the bike courses, please contact Dave Timmins on 01270 610 332 or email him at Dave Timmins. You can also complete an Application Form, but please contact Dave first to get the latest on Tutor availablity, since there is normally a waiting list.
Costs
Because the Group is run by volunteers, there will be no charge made for your Tutor's time, but on each practical you will be required to contribute to your Tutor's fuel costs. There is also a joining fee of £40.00 which covers the cost of providing Associates with a copy of the Police Riders Handbook 'Motorcycle Roadcraft' and the Highway Code. If you already have these books the fee is £30.00. The fee is valid for one year after joining, which is normally sufficient time to pass the RoSPA test. If you are already a Group Member after having passed the RoSPA Advanced test in a car, the Bike Section joining fee is £10. If you also require 'Motorcycle Roadcraft', there is a charge of £10.
In addition to that, there is a test fee of £54.00 if you are over 26 and £47 if you are under 26.
For more information about the test, visit the RoADA Web Site.
For tested members, the Group Membership subscription is £12, which is valid for one year.
Training and the RoSPA Test
As soon as possible after joining the group, you will be allocated a Tutor and he or she will serve as your mentor until you have passed the RoSPA Advanced test.The amount and type of training required will be tailored to you as an individual; there are no prescribed course lengths at present. Experience shows that the average rider attains an Advanced Level of riding after about 6 practical sessions.
When you arrive for any activity within the group, whether it's a ride out with your Tutor or an organised run, please make sure that your motorcycle is maintained in good order and road legal. If for any reason it is found that this is not the case, you will be politely asked not to take part and recommended to remedy the situation before attending again. This is not a case of the group "making silly rules"; the fact is that if you are stopped by the police, an association may be made with the Group as a whole and RoSPA as an organisation. This may reflect badly on us and undermine the standing of the Motorcycle section.
Help for Heroes Bike Ride
Bike Section tutor Cliff Williams is organising a bike ride from Lands End to John O'Groats with the aim of raising money to support the Charity Help for Heroes. The ride will take place over the August Bank Holiday 2010. For more information, visit Cliff's Blog at: www.numbumrun.co.uk.
