Police Bike Safe Course Prices

[The Stig]

Back in August I emailed South Wales Police Headquarters bikesafe department asking why if you live in certain parts of south wales
you have to pay different prices for your bike safe course.

The response I got was quick & to the point but also shocking!

Ok to start in you live in North Wales period you only pay £20

Depending on where you live in south wales this bike safe price can be anything from free to £130

Now I know that it's subsidised by a goverment department of some sort but I was unsure as to which one.

To my utter shock it's funding by your local council who make the decision whether or not to support bike safe course or not

Now every year the council gets a pot of money it then decides what to pay for & what to put on the shelf

This is also based on whether you area you live in has had any major motorcycle accidents

I must mention at this point that all the north wales councils have team up together & all put money in the pot for residents in that area

So off I trott & email every council in the south wales area asking them why they dont do the same

Some replied some didn't

The councils that replied came up with all excuses from "we have a low motorcycle accident rate" to "we have no department head of traffic
as he has just retired & will get back to you" this was in august & I have yet to get a reply

My thoughts on this:

Most of us ride the same roads (brecon) so stats are going to say there are more accidents in brecon (only £20 to do the course if you live in this area)


Bikers are more vulnerable than any other motorists on the road so why do they offer car safe course to all UK persons aged between 17-21 (welsh assembly backed)

We all pay council tax, income tax & all the other taxes that the goverment can think up so why cant bikers get a bike safe course for the same price
as bikers who live let's say in breacon

There's a big difference between £130 & £20 that's a yes ill do it to improve my riding skills & safety to I just can't efford it
Leave them bikers who yet have passed a motorcycle test more vulnerable in some cases than others

I also asked the police directly if they would produce a bike safe type course for welsh bikers if we all pay a fee towards the cost I have yet to get a
reply on that as well

What's your thoughts on this?

Would you be prepared to print off/send & sign a drafted letter to your council asking why they dont support bike safe & with their next post of cash they
might consider it for next year

[muffy]

free - £130 id sign and send it to my local council

[felix]

Stiggy Baby..........

I'll try and get hold of the Bikesafe co ordinator from work...I've been told he's a nice guy and passionate about all things Bike.......

It may be a while as I don't know what shifts he's on, courses , leave etc.....
BUT ..if we have a great deal of interest in the Bikesafe course from loads of us who are regularly using Gwent/South Wales roads, maybe we can get a little discount or even get it for free.....

All we have to do is state that we want to reduce the risk of members of our forum becoming another Accident statistic..can you help????

They would be looked upon in a very bad light if they said No......

[Tank]

I would defo be up for this
Been think bout it for a while but like most people its the price that puts you off

Im sure the mrs would be up for it also

[Pope]

said it before, will say it again  *deep breath*

If I wanted a copper to follow me around the countryside on the bike, I could do it for free 

 

[Tank]

said it before, will say it again  *deep breath*

If I wanted a copper to follow me around the countryside on the bike, I could do it for free 

 

 

[Pope]

said it before, will say it again  *deep breath*

If I wanted a copper to follow me around the countryside on the bike, I could do it for free 

 

 

The only thing missing would be a de-brief at the end.

Maybe they could shout feedback from the police helicopter? 

[Chassa]

   I would be interested in doing a bike safe course and more than happy to copy, sign and post a letter to Cardiff County Council. 

[dhustonedave]

i think everybody would learn something from a bikesafe course

[Tank]

i think everybody would learn something from a bikesafe course

Where's the punch line dave?

[wedge]

I need more practice first, or they'll just tell me im shit anyways :D

[ranger]

Just trawled through all the new messages & all I seen was your negative posts pope, My mother always told if you have nothing nice to say then your best off saying nothing maybe that's somethng you may like to take on board.
On this forum there are all levels of riders some like me would consider doing a bike safe course to try & ride safer & be more aware of my surroundings, of course your allowed you opinion but everything you say seems so negative I'm starting to think you have a big chip on your shoulder with life.
Don't think I'm picking on you or I hate you because hate is such a strong word, again my mother always told me to speak up if I have a problem & this is what I'm doing, just consider other members before you post.

Before you ask this is nothing I won't say to your face on the rare times our paths cross
you seem to be making enemies faster than your making friends

[Pope]

I have plenty of friends Rob thanks, and I don't really consider you to be one of them.  Why do you feel the need to target me? 

And was it difficult to choose whether to post that as Ranger or Stig?

[Fuzzrr]

Agreed the course can be good for beginers and more experienced riders.... I would do it for £20 just to see what they say about my riding, positioning and awareness.... But for anything over £40 or £50, no thanks. Ive read quite a bit of what they teach and what they practice, it aint rocket science, and it isnt hard to put into practice.....

Ive never been on any courses or have done any training. I tought myself by reading, watching and learning........ Thats where many 'new' riders go wrong. Not enough interest in literature these days.....

But like I said, I have read about the bikesafe courses, and yes they can help. But if im honest, I think I have taken on board the main points they try to teach you.

The one about dont go into a corner faster than you can stop if there is something the other side sort of got lost in translation somewhere unfortunately... 

[mr honeysucker]

"Bikers are more vulnerable than any other motorists on the road so why do they offer car safe course to all UK persons aged between 17-21 (welsh assembly backed)"

They should do car safe courses from all ages!! there are plenty of 21+ drivers who dont even look for bikes.


"I have plenty of friends Rob thanks, and I don't really consider you to be one of them"

plenty? whats your definition of plenty......

l would do a course only problem is l think they would not be happy with my race can and small plate