How to improve your motorcycling skills: Riding with the Met Police on a Bikesafe course
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- How to improve your motorcycling skills: Riding with the Met Police on a Bikesafe course - It's hard to argue against additional training, in fact I would argue you can never have too much training and in potentially risky pursuits like motorcycling it strikes me as a good idea to continue your training way after you pass your bike riding test. In this video I get a taste of what advanced rider training is like thanks to the Metropolitan Police and the Bikesafe team. Stay tuned to find out what goes on at one of these courses.
Many thanks to Sunny and the team at Bikesafe London for inviting me on the course.
Check them out at www.bikesafe-lo... or nationally at www.bikesafe.co...
You can also e-mail the team via Bikesafe@met.police.uk
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“Ride exactly how you would normally” 12 points & a grand fine later, did I do alright Sonny? Manage to keep up
you might be surprised,i rode hell for leather n he said it was brisk, lol
Top comment
Nice one TMF. I did a 2 day course with Warwickshire police about 12 years ago, I thought it was brilliant, i learned so much and it really increased my enjoyment of riding.I wasnt very experienced at the time and was very nervous and having that bit longer to get to know the officer helped me relax and feel more comfortable discussing issues and ways to improve my riding. The following weekend i was riding with some freinds who have done a lot of advanced training (Paramedics). They could not believe how much my riding had improved. Id recommend it to anyone. The copper said to me, "ill tell you the best performance mod you can make to your bike, tweak the nut sitting on the saddle".
Sound advice ! Thanks for watching - TMF
Couldn't agree more, I have been twice in Kent over the years, Useful tips and assessment, all day 35 quid (including lunch). Learning from the best riders in the business. Well worth doing..
Matt Nicholas why are they super human get changed in a phone box do they
Wow - you got lunch too! Nice....
No but they ride all day every day... and go on dozens of roadcraft courses with loads of refreshers. Like anything else you do it loads and train a lot you get better at it.... After years of riding i've still got plenty to learn.
Yeah... yummy pizza at Frankie and Bennys..
Don't know about you but being observed by instructors makes me more prone to little mistakes as you can over think it. I sometimes ride with a friend who is a Rospa instructor and when he's behind me I can feel his glare like lasers into the back of my head. Even though he is not officially observing me at all.
Yes I know how that feels! Don't mention the war!
That'a definitely you have to work on, a confidence thing :) I'm sure you're fine!
Suggest you get some professional training
Great video. My Dad was a Police motorcycle instructor, and always hated having him follow me, but when I tried to follow him, I'd struggle to keep up, such smooth flowing lines through the bends, and could anticipate gaps developing in the traffic etc. Was not about reaching high speeds, but maintaining a good "average" and making "progress" as they call it :-)
It's a pity you didn't show any footage of the feedback you received. You could've explained what you learned.
I did an assessed ride with my local IAM group. The feedback I received was enough to make me decide to immediately sign up for advanced training, which proved to be both interesting and educational.
Agreed, it would have been good to hear the feed back/debrief. I did the same myself with the IAM and can’t recommend it enough. Any rider who thinks they can’t learn more by attending advanced riding be it IAM or ROSPA needs to go on one of their taster rides. You learn at your own pace and there is a great camaraderie within the club and opportunities for some good ride outs.
I did a similar scheme in Staffordshire about 6 years ago called rideby5 ie ride by IPSGA. Since then I've done my IAM and achieved a F1rst and I'm now a blood biker for shropshire. Its amazing how smooth the police riders are, and I never get bored of watching them throw the RTs around as if they were 125s
Thanks for the comment and I completely agree! All the best - TMF
Enjoyed that.. you seemed ever so calm with a copper up your chuff.😎
Robert I nearly spat my coffee lol
I did one of these courses around 9 years ago up here in South Yorkshire on one of the wettest Saturdays I've ever ridden on but still really enjoyed it. Would recommend it to anyone no matter how long you've been riding. The one aspect of the course I personally got most out of was observation/hazard recognition, they take it to a new level.
Just about to start my motorcycle riding career at 45. Thanks for sharing the video. Definitely something I will look to do when I go through the CBT and Mod1/2 tests.
Yes definately worth doing....and good luck with your test(s)....
I wish America had programs like this. 45 pounds! That is very reasonable.
Good to sit down and watch some of your videos again, cheers from the States!
RCFlyBoy314 North Carolina has a course offered by the state highway patrol. And it’s free. Great program
There are probably MSF courses in your area. The cops in my area all seem to ride two abreast, which doesn't give me a good impression.
@@paulv22 oh yes, I did .one years ago. Wanted to do the advanced rider courses but stopped riding after a few years.
They do two abreast here in Arizona all the time. It looks nice, but totally agree from a safety aspect.
@@paulv22 We do all our training two abreast. Motorcycle trained police officers are probably in the top 1% of all street riders for safety and skill in both slow and fast maneuvers. We do not recommend to the public to ride two abreast just like the Blue Angels do not recommend pilots fly wing tip to wing tip. Go to the class and ask questions and maybe you will learn something.
@@capecrusader6932 First, I'm sure motorcycle cops in the US are well trained and if they offered courses, I'm sure I could learn something. To my knowledge, they don't offer classes in my area.
However, assuming you're in the US, do you always ride two abreast and if so, why? What advantage does it have?
I live in a part of the country with narrow, winding roads that often have potholes. In some cases, it's not easy for two cars to pass each other yet I've seen motorcycle cops riding two abreast. I've had to go into the ditch a bit in my car to give them space. Sure, sometimes they need to ride two abreast for certain duties but doing it all the time doesn't seem to make sense. If you can tell me a big advantage, please do.
I attended a bike safe course in Surrey, absolutely brilliant.
Cannot believe how good these guys are.
In a previous life.
I spent 17 years on the Greater Manchester Police Motorcycle Wing.
And was a member of the Special Escort Group.
It always amazes me how it sticks with you.
To the degree my non police trained buddies, (every colour and variety) can spot the techniques from a mile back.
It works fellas.......I'd urge anyone to give it a go.
You will learn something of value.
Nice one Chris...
The 'foot work' when you come to a stop........gives you away every time.
What me or the trained pros?
Me matey.......I can't get away with anything!
Bye the bye.....what was the result of your assessment?
Riding with others that are more skilled / experienced than you often raises your game, thanks for sharing
My pleasure!
Hi, I’ve done the BikeSafe course twice now. I can’t recommend it enough. Even if you’ve been riding for years it’s worth doing. There was a guy who had been riding for 30+ years and averaging. 20,000 miles a year on my course, and was he very good. He still felt it was worthwhile for him. On my first course I was lucky enough to go out one to one with the Police officer for over 3 hrs and nearly 150 miles. I learnt loads. Do it, you won’t regret it. Regards. Adam
Thanks for the comment and I completely agree! All the best - TMF
Done this course with my local Norfolk constabulary last year and yes can confirm brilliant day out, I paid a little extra and did the one on one course rider assessment and well worth the fee. As you said, you can never have too much training.
Great stuff Snarkman - thanks for watching....
I did the BikeSafe course last year with the MET in north London. I thought it was a good course and some insurance companies will accept that for discounts on insurance.
Good to know!
Glad you enjoyed the Bike Safe Day TMF. During my time in the Met I helped run courses out of the Ace Cafe. They are a great way to let like minded bikers have an insight into furthering their training without committing first. Still excellent value for money and glad to see that TFL are still supporting the guys and girls who provide the courses. The question often arises about the lack of Comms use but it is another great way to make sure that you are fully aware of what is happening behind you as against just mindlessly waiting for another instruction in your ears and staring blindly ahead. We often had people returning to do another course as it is such good fun and value for money. And contrary to popular belief we don’t bite and are actually normal bikers 😉
I echo all of that - thanks for watching and for commenting....all the best - TMF
The problem I had with visual instructions coming from behind was that at the moment I should focus most on what's happening in the front of me (when approaching junction), I had to glance back few times to see the signal, and get dazzled for the moment.
On the contrary riding with the instructions straight to my ear lets me concentrate fully on the best observations in the specific moments.
And I must agree that all the PCs I met were excellent, very approachable and incredibly skilled.
Standing in a petrol forecourt eating a sarny not quite what you had in mind for lunch TMF lol
Bladders I thought the same TMF slumming it 😂
Lol when I did the course we went to some diner place it was luxurious in comparison
Crikey you know me better than I thought.....
We got to sit down inside the petrol station when I did mine and we had a Subway! Seriously good day's training.
Bikers Quest i
That’s how I learnt to ride in the late 80’s with humberside police. Excellent way to learn.
Nice one
well done for putting yourself through this. Ive done the same after coming back to biking after nearly 40yrs. The learning diary of my observed rides with IAM has been youtubed for any who want to know more. £99 for 15 months of training has to be the bargain of the year.
do you think you could do this on a quad bike
@@baileywestby doubt it, quad bikes use a car license and you don't need a helmet, closer to a car
Regarding the SMIDSY, do a search for "A Fighter Pilot’s Guide to Surviving on the Roads...
", which gives a good explanation.
Great content TMF, Bikesafe is only the beginning, my advice is go onto to invest in further advance training either ROSPA or IAM, if you value your life in general and especially as a motorcyclist its a no brainer, at least to me.
We didn't hear how you got on ?????
Great video as always TMF. Did my bikesafe in Surrey also last year and what struck me was their passion for educating and desire to expand the courses offered. Of course, budget issues to deal with but I really hope they can as it was a great day with some great folk.
Thanks for the comment and I completely agree! All the best - TMF
If you live or work in London or work for tfl it's free! Contact you're local council, why wouldn't you do it! Lucky to spend a day with PC Suni before doing the NC500 around Scotland i would say having done my IAM and achieving a F1rst he gave me some skills and tips that kept me safe above the IAM. You do put yourself under pressure for a day on Bikesafe but these guy's are skilled at giving feedback in a nice way! They do 30000 miles a year in a busy city, so the advice is life saving.
100% agreed
I was taught to use engine braking when first learning to drive/ride but brakes are so much better now, plus its cheaper to replace a set of brake pads compared to clutch plates.
That’s what Sunny (my police wing man) said...
TheMissendenFlyer I you sure he was called sunny they do call most folks sunny for example listen to me sunny or do you think it’s funny sunny or how old are you sunny . What’s the speed limit here sunny .were have you been to night sunny 🤡🤡🤡🤡
also when you use only your engine to brake the back stop light is not indicating you are trying to reduce speed translating to less reaction time for the vehicle behind and more risk for you. With the roads being so congested nowadays even when I engine brake I apply a bit of brake just to make sure the rear stop light turns on. Assuming of course I want to reduce speed significantly...but when in a corner, in the wet etc engine braking can be tool.. IMHO.
Just passed by Mod2! All done, ready for the big bike! 😊
Well done and congratulations!
TheMissendenFlyer thanks, two minors, like Mod 1, though it’s taken a year to get this far after my CBT, getting a 125, 2000 miles on that. Did the test on a MT07, nice bike, tried the Kawasaki Z650 in the showroom this afternoon. Will take that for a test ride soon. 😊
Looks like a good day and anything that makes us bikers safer has got to be worth it... thanks for the upload 👌
100% agree....
Did my bikesafe in 2005 in Maidstone, cost me 30 quid including lunch at Biggin hill ! I did it on my GSX1100F. Fantastic value for money, some insurers recognise it as extra training and offer a little bit of extra discount. The officer in charge on the day was on a Pan European ST1100 and certainly knew how to ride it ! I would recommend anyone to do one of these courses, it's a good day out and has the potential to enhance the riding experience and save a bit of money on your insurance.
Whilst doing the bike checks & he said full beam, you went erm.....I was sat waiting for those lights to come on that we don’t mention anymore. Now that would have been hilarious. Great vid & I would encourage anyone to do an advanced course no matter how young or old, it could save your life & it can make your biking much more pleasurable. Opened up a whole new circle of friends for me & the trips we do are mega. Cheers TMF, Karl 👍
Lights we don't mention anymore?
TheMissendenFlyer strobe lights 🤐
Look forward to hearing you’re feedback, if you share it
This is how I started my Advanced Training Journey- it’s helped me no end with the smoothness and pace of my ride, I would strongly encourage you to go and see either your Local IAM or ROSPA group- they are always a friendly bunch :)
Bartholomew Horatio Brunel in the politest way that is a very misguided view! Advanced training Is about giving riders better skills and make safer riders, the cost of courses is minimal, both IAM and ROSPA are charities who don’t make money and only serve to give useful skills, the Bike Safe initiative was introduced in response to the high number of biker deaths on the UK roads
do you think you could do this on a quad bike
5 STARS... Loved the big kid at the end. It reminded me of when I was lifted onto a police motorcycle aged 8 pushed every button and switch there was..
Gotta be done....
i had my lessons, with a retired police bike instructor, a MR swain from buxton, that was 20 years ago, my daily commute was over the cat and fiddle to macclesfield, thats where i took my test, and the examiner i got, he examined me for my HGV1 license back in 1984, that was at bredbury stockport, i haven't been on a bike for 10 years, so i will definitely get some brush up lessons, can never be to safe. thanks for the upload.
Did my BikeSafe at The Warren it was free and they paid for lunch at Frankie and benny’s .lol true story
Bike safe It’s a prequel to IAM advanced training which is well worth doing.
So to all those who say advanced training spoils your riding bollocks ,I still ride progressively and I bet I see much more a lot quicker than you none believers because of it.
Smoother than smooth since Passing IAMon a S1000rr my examiner was the guy who wrote the book “How to be better rider” and was a chief of police.
Anyway I was shy of a first but I did t care about the piece of paper it’s the knowledge that I can be progressive and safe.
My pals who’ve been riding twenty odd years can’t believe I’ve only be on bikes 4 years.
Seasoned bikers newbies please please please do some advanced training because it could save your life.
Statics prove advanced bikers have fewer life threatening accidents !
The mind set of they didn’t see me should be reversed “ How about us as bikers seeing them and anticipating what another vehicle might do “ !
It’s a much better way of thinking and riding , not 100% but higher odds of not being caught out !
Thanks for watching and for the feedback- good stuff....
I couldn't agree more, my father used to teach advanced riding to the police, and he made exceptional progress. The bike was never unsettled, safer than most and yet he was bloody quick too. I hope after 20years I can be as drama free
I found it very worthwhile. I did the Bikesafe back in 2005, just as a refresher to the IAM I did back in 1999 and I love the 'system'. I know it's not for everyone but if you (I) are of a disposition where assurances from a person in authority can say 'you do this well, you can do this better' and you sit up and listen, then it is money well spent. Great review. Brought it all back...
Thanks Fell Rider - glad to be a refresher!
I did a two day IAM motorcycle course with Birmingham police 30 odd yrs ago when i was instructing with the old BMF. The senior off duty police officer who trained me one on one whilst riding his own old, 'very uncool' narrow handle barred BMW was fabulous. The 'progress' we made entirely within speed limits was truly astounding. All down to road position and situation awarness. If they're as good now as they were back then I'd recommend it to all.
Just completed this course yesterday with the PSNI at Nutts Corner Belfast. Shout out to Niall and the guys. Great course, very intuitive and very enjoyable. I learnt more than I expected and the guys made it good fun as well. I couldn't recommend it highly enough. A lot of Insurance companies give you a discount as well for completing the course which is nice.
Nice one…
You mostly had a different position on the road than over here in NL; I mean in earlier videos. On straight roads we drive near the centre of the road were the car tyres usually are. In corners we are on the outside of the turn because you will be seen earlier and you yourself can see things coming at you much earlier.
Yes that's what we are taught too - I however may not have been following what I was taught!
Nice one TMF I liked that. I think any info from those guys is valuable, they are so well trained and the best around in my opinion.
Everyone should do one.
Agreed!
It looks challenging/awkward having to constantly check mirrors for signals. I know we monitor our mirrors regardless but knowing that we need to navigate based on signals from behind would take some of my attention away from my riding.
Yes that is true I agree...
I did bike safe with Cambridgeshire police. It was fantastic really enjoyed riding out with an officer. Lots learnt. I fully recommended it to anyone on two wheels
Did you notice how easy it was to see you policeman all the time. If I do ride with anyone else, I always want them to wear a full high viz jacket so I can check their position with a quick mirror check, rather than have to search for the rascals! Does it make you think about your own visibility?
Hi-Viz is definitely naff, but it makes a huge difference spotting people at a glance. Especially in town, or on dull grey days. (Every day then!)
Well they gave us a hi viz tabard in the goody bag, so maybe I should start wearing it (although apparently the pink ones are a better colour for conspicuity)...
Hi-Viz may be naff, but being dead is even naffer. The other day, stuck in murderous Zürich rush-hour traffic, and just about to pull out for a spot of lane splitting, I saw the tiniest flash of colour in my outside mirror - one of those evil moped riders that like to take you from behind. Had he not been decked out in hi-viz I would not have had the slightest chance of seeing him, with potentially disastrous consequences for my health and well-being.......
Christopher Lamb Well said mate.
Congrats TMF reaching 60 thousand subscribers!!!! Well deserved great channel with great content and unbiased opinions, congratulations!!!!!
Thank you Colin - appreciated!
Done this a few years ago, great insight into being safe, went on to IAM and ROSPA, we have weekly rides on Sundays to practice skills.
Best thing I ever did for my riding, after forty years on a bike I still had so much to learn.
Thanks for watching and for stopping by! All the best - TMF
I took up the IAM advanced course last year. Would recommend it to everyone. Has transformed my riding skill and confidence and met some nice fellow bikers. Win win
Great feedback thanks...
I did the Bikesafe workshop with North Wales Police about 18 years ago. At the time it was a two day course with a ride out around Snowdonia National Park . Brilliant!
A few years later I did another one with Cheshire Police.
BTW, I passed my test when I was 17 on my BSA B31 350 but that was 58 years ago!
You're obviously a very skilful rider Joseph - well done and thanks for watching....
Good one Flyer, to all biker's never stop learning and always anticipate the unexpected.👍
Funny was when you said that you would not talk too much because you needed to concentrate to follow up with them. Basically means every video you do your concentration is not 100% on the road, my question is if this don‘t increase your chances of an accident as per what you learnt?
Great safety awareness video TMF.
Annual training with an ex police class one motorcycle rider is the best accessory you can buy for your bike. After 150,000 plus miles I did my first training session and not only did it help me become a progressively faster and safer rider it also managed to put the fun back into biking.
Thanks for watching and for stopping by! All the best - TMF
Great of you fokusing on safty,am taking a security course in mai.40 year with licens,but havn't ride for 30.Give this man a big show on tv!
Thanks for watching and for stopping by! All the best - TMF
Now do the Advanced Course Andy. I was fortunate enough to do this with Nottingham City Police in 1972 (when I must have therefore only been 12 years of age). The lessons learned from the Force Driving School have done me well over the years. Some excellent comments below - Sean O'Nilbud nailed it.
I did this too a few years back, they were promoting it a lot in London due to high accident rates I presume. I have a summary vid up
Well done mate! I am aware that after 50 years I may have picked up some odd habits as well as ome good ones. Not sure we have such things here in Australia. Thanks for taking us with you!
Thanks for coming along Barry!
Have done this course twice now over the years. Interesting change of tack to more defensive riding rather than road positioning in the second course. Well worthwhile.
My friend,your content is so good. I spend hours front of my TV watching! Such a unique content! Absolutely lovely channel!
Thank you for your hard work!
Wow, thank you Bill - glad you like it - stay tuned, loads more to come!
That was a great commentary as you did your ride...most enjoyable to see you do the course with them. Sounds like you enjoyed it. Safe riding man!
Did mine a few years ago with one of the Welsh forces, but all forces do it differently: The cost was £200 for a 2-day course, but that covered all food which was laid on, full briefing and debriefing sessions (on road and in class), group photograph at end of course, a chart covering your good/bad points, general assessment on your riding, certificate (good for 10% insurance discounts with some Ins coys), and of course Bike Safe T-shirts, neck scarves and goodie bags. Perhaps the best "gift" was a copy of the Police Riders Handbook, which I refer-to quite often. I believe most courses nationwide have since been reduced to 1-day training at much reduced cost. Well worth the cost, and highly recommended to all bikers regardless of age and experience - one can always learn, especially as bad habits do creep in!
Thanks for the comment and I completely agree! All the best - TMF
I was surprised how basic the communication between police observer and rider was, when I did the MAC course on my Blackbird we had helmet intercom which was brilliant, I can still hear the Brummie accent of the police instructor after nearly 20 years.
And the lunch breaks were in some really good places.
Times have clearly changed!
Fantastic! Great commentary. I did my BikeSafe a couple of years ago, went on to do my IAM......and passed!
Nice!
Without the feedback, I felt like i wasted my time, apart from the country turn. Very much unlike riding here in Los Angeles CA USA. The “filtering” we do legally here is prolly not most elsewhere. I ride a Honda ST1300-PA bike as a motor escort officer. Loads of good fun.
many years ago with fellow Soton MAG members we had session with Southampton's police motorcyclists best use of a Saturday ever, learned a lot still use it now !
For me, Jay Leno said he'd never ride if he felt rushed. Great advice. I can be a hot head riding or overly influenced by adrenaline. If I've taken a step out of character out on my
Ride, I reset myself on the next ride by been very sensible.. Great video again BTW.
Weird seeing you riding round my manor, you could have popped in for a cup of tea :) As mentioned to you before I thoroughly enjoyed the Bike Safe course. We went to Frankie and Benny's for lunch (cut backs). The goodie bag used to be good as well. Surprising to see how little the officers use their brakes when you follow them.
Yes very impressive to watch their smooooth technique.....
I think it's good that TMF didn't show footage of any feedback because it's obviously tailored to him and his style of riding... We are all different in that respect so it wouldn't be prudent to take someone else's feedback and react to it. Personally it's given me the impetus to sign up for a course. Great upload TMF.
Great video, and a great service that is offered by your local police. I wish they would offer similar courses here in BC Canada!
Bikesafe is a great introduction to further advanced training, but in reality it can't give you the in depth training of Rospa\IAM, in one day. It's a shame that they didn't have intercoms so the Police rider could give you a demonstration ride with commentary - it is a real eye opener as to all the information being taken in, processed, assessed and prioritised by a skilled rider and how fast and smooth their riding is.
I've done a lot of advanced training over the years, including a lot of riding with Police riders, and it has made me a much faster, safer and smoother rider. It is the best money you'll spend on a bike.
Too many riders think their riding is good enough and don't need further training - statistics tell a different story!
East molesey is a cracking part of the world isn’t it! Recognised Hampton court at the very end of your video. Played cricket at the east molesey cricket club when I was over there (I live in Perth, Australia) for a summer in 2015 and would regularly drive past Hampton court on the way from Epsom to Heathrow to fly out to Europe. Brought back great memories.
Good stuff - glad it brought back some memories for you, as you say, nice part of the world around there, I miss living there (sometimes! ...don't miss the traffic)
OMW no Training since doing your license :-0, I do advanced Corner Training every year, I think it's important especially after the winter to pick up on ones riding skills. Good Thing that These People are there to help us with good tips and Training. Actually cheaper in England as here usually it's the other way around.
Remind me where in the world you are Gaz?
Down my neck of woods.... the cost is a lot less, so I advise people to check their local costs before thinking it's too much etc. Not all forces use on duty officers; so if that's a barrier for some to attend.... again, check your local Bikesafe
I noticed how different 'his' positioning was in your mirror to yours.... they always seam to just 'flow'.
Yes skilled fellas...
Yet another great vlog. Like a number of your subscribers, I did the bike safe course last year. Really useful did I take it any further....no but I should and may do so now. Keep up the great vids though.
Cheers Trevor....
In New Zealand we have a similar scheme, Ride Forever, 4 levels of training depending on your experience and where you are riding, (Urban Survival, Bronze, Silver, and Gold). I have undertaken bronze and silver during the last 16 months. Both courses led by a qualified motorcycle instructor and using in helmet comms that enabled realtime feedback. Well worth the time and money.
Informative video. I've been riding 45 years so feel it a bit late for training but I'm always open for advise. Re the braking I was told long ago its cheaper to replace your brake pads than your gearbox!
My own bit of advise, slow down be patient and don't overtake on junctions.Glad you enjoyed your day.
Cheers Splodge.....
Re; the braking, its all about applying the system used by the Police etc, Information, Position, Speed, Gear and Accelerate IPSGA, all stages are a separate process although some overlapping will be inevitable.
Great book to read is the "Motorcycle Roadcraft The Police Riders Handbook" explains the system and more.
Did my ROSPA at 52 mate, you never too old.
martin 1299S IPSGA? I'm afraid as soon as you start using acronyms you will lose 90% of the audience. The massive apparent over analysis smacks of the instructor trying to appear clever and usually causes the eyes of the student to glaze over and little or nothing or achieved. Some ex-service people lap it up though.
Whilst watching that bit (about braking) I assumed it was because someone behind might not realise what you are doing so showing a brake light might help.
Thank you for a thoroughly enjoyable ride. I’m about to get back into riding after 12 years out of the saddle and this was just a lot of fun to watch along with comments. Thanks for taking the time to engage and give me inspiration to get back into riding :)
Happy to help!
Great video as always Mr Flyer, I have done a few bike safe courses and they are always instructive. For those that are not keen on having a police officer follow them you could always look up Fire Bike. It is run by most fire brigades all the instructors are Gold RoSPA instructors it has the same format and is excellent. If you live in the south Sussex brigade do theirs at Brands Hatch and includes 2 20 min Tracy sessions. Excellent value and fun. Keep up the good work and do get more training it is worth it.
Wow track time as part of it - that sounds top value!
Yep first 20 mins after a briefing you can join a group depending on your confidence. Before the second session you get another briefing talking about breaking points and lines to take. There is also a short 20-30 min observed ride with an IAM observer with feedback, a session on Roadcraft the police riders manual and a slow ride and emergency breaking session. A full on day
I did the IAM for both car and bike back in the early 90’s and managed to get the Observer ticket....great courses and would thoroughly recommend them to anyone who wants to improve their skills. The bike safe courses are a great intro to advanced riding and even for folks like me who have done the training it’s can be used as a nice little refresher course to keep your skills up. Cheers for sharing TMF 👍
Thanks for watching as ever Shane - appreciate your support....TMF
Definitely a course worth doing. Like you I tend to use my gears rather than my brakes to slow down. I also on right hand bends tend to not keep over far enough left. Not sure i would recommend either of the two main advance courses as it can depend on the personnel involved.
Thanks for watching and for stopping by! All the best - TMF
Christian good point and so very true. I think that is also why i prefer left handers as well. Just glad i am no longer a knee down rider these days.
A good vid as always, I did something like this some 25 odd years ago, through the Gloucestershire police force and went on to do the IAM course, my incentive at the time, was to get cheaper bike insurance, but it was fun and I learnt a lot , probably should, do it again. I don’t know if passing the IAM still reduces your insurance, but it is probably worth finding out, especially for new riders.
As an American watching this video I can honestly say that I will now never drive a car in England much less a motorcycle. I jumped out of my seat a half dozen times watching this video when you crossed over intersections, and all those cars on the wrong side of the road, very narrow roads....yeeks , otherwise a great video !!
You would be fine I'm sure, you get used to it quickly
We have courses like this as well in the US. In Seattle, there is a 3 day course that costs about $1000. However you use their motorcycles and it is quite a in depth course hosted by ex-officers.
Good stuff - seems quite pricey though!
I like that the LEO answered you all your questions and then some. I like these types of events and I think there should be more of them for civilians to learn the LEOs are there for us and shocking they are people too. Cheers.
LEO??
Hey there, on this side of the pond LEO = Law Enforcement Officer
Thanks for this video. I'll be doing my bikesafe course in a couple of weeks this video was useful.
It would have been nice to know roughly what kind of feedback you received 🙂
Good on ye Andy for putting it out there, your never to old to learn
Yep, "brake>, change gear>,lean/steer>, roll on>". From the 'cornering guru', Keith Code, Twist of the Wrist II'.
It's good to get good advice and become self critical of your riding. I've done a BikeSafe with Leicestershire Police and two other assessments at the yearly Bike Safe Show in Corby (great event). Hopefully will get another BikeSafe in this year with wifey as she hasn't done one yet. Anyway, I did go on to IAM training and became a member after passing the test years ago. Thinking of doing a RoSPA assessment too just to see where I am but the nearest Group are about thirty miles away in Northampton so that'll take some dedication. All thoroughly worthwhile and good fun dear boy :)
Cheers - always good to have you along! All the best - TMF
Thanks. Been meaning to do bike safe for ages. Your vid has shoved me into action. Booked it just now. Thanks again.
Enjoy!
I'm glad to see your instructor treated you to a real life emergency services lunch. This was of course the 'fine dining' version i.e not eaten on the hoof with indigestion for dessert. Looks like a good day out, thanks again.
Yes it was amusing to note the local Surrey & Sussex Police also pulled in there for a quick Ginsters and donut.. ..
I've never eaten a doughnut.....
Bad luck on the lunch stop. Well done for doing this and showing us. Those BMW gearbox's are a joy, clunk click every down shift.
How I suffer for you! ;0) Thanks for watching - TMF
Very useful !
I would like to have something similar here in Portugal.
Thanks for the video
Well done TMF, but please please carry on the training and do the IAM advanced rider course! I have been riding 25 years and did IAM advanced rider course last year and it has completely changed how I ride for the better! You won't regret and I would 100% recommend it to any biker plus you can save a little bit of money off you insurance once passed 👍🏻
Cheers Alan....
Going to sit my A2 passed my theory 2 days ago. I love riding, once i do pass my A2 i'm going for advanced training or any futher training i can! :)
I would recommend Bikesafe. Did me good 3 years ago. In Leicestershire. My wife did one just over a year ago. She went on to Achieve a F1RST with iAm. 👍🏻
Out of curiosity did they mention anything about the black visor?
MrKdr500 Apologies, didn't mean to offend visors of a darker complexion.
Motorcycle Cops don't care, most of them ride bikes for fun too.
Ze Germanz n
So you meant to offend visors of a lighter complexion then... how dare you.
A good few people seem to like gear break as it's called on a motorcycle, I was then learning to drive a rigid and the instructor was saying that while it's good practice, from a safety point on view it's not so good as people behind might not notice you slowing down. So I just do a combination of both now. The Police handbook is a good start too it's on Amazon. The speed limits are a bit of a weird one for me, you can get picked up on not making progress but in making progress you'd be breaking the limit!
I come from the school of train at 10 and then live at 5 - 7. So I'm looking at a California Superbike School next Spring. Train on a track at 100 and then ride the roads at 50 or so, knowing the bike will stick in the corners if you have tires you trust. Also want a low speed handling course as well, turning the bike with the steering at full lock, u-turns in two parking spaces sort of riding. From there other classes and I find them and keep practicing. Between those two extremes I should find out what traction feels like and what no traction feels like. Loved the outro, just proves we all turn into little kids around police, fire, and emergency vehicles.
Low speed stuff you can practice on your own in a car park. Clutch and back brake are your friends. Stay off the front brake. Ride in all weathers too so you know how your bike handles and feels. Riding in actual wet/raining conditions isn't actually much different from dry, if you have modern half decent tires, you can still lean it over a fair amount and not worry. It's when the road is kind of wet/slippery it gets difficult. Check out a channel called roadcraft Nottingham for great tips.
Love your comment - “you can never have too much training” - so true as far as riding is concerned. Well it is for me anyway - we have a subsidised training scheme over here in NZ called Ride Forever; I’ve done 5 full days of training with this scheme and it’s only cost me a couple of hundred NZD (about GBP100) in total. They don’t use police standard trainers, but I’ve always learned lots and feel my riding is much better for it.
Nice one Andrew and thanks for the intell....
Late on at about 18.45/50 following too close to the vehicle in front. He said that is was a 40o mpoh limit but the safe stopping and therefore the safe following on distance at that speed would be some 120 ft and as the road surface was wet one should double that. to 240 ft. He on the other hand would be about 40 and no more than 60 ft behind.
Great video as usual. I did take the Bike Safe course before I unleashed myself on the unsuspecting public roads. It was what every rider should do, new or experienced. To my shame I’ve not been on any further improvement courses, but watching this has made me think again. Love your vids, so impartial & informative.
Thanks for the kind comments - much appreciated! All the best - TMF
I did one of these days about 10 years ago in Kent and it was a really good day even though I'd already been riding for years
I did bikesafe about 10 years ago, and we got coms which I think is essential. We also, on the second day, did rider first aid. Had to use the dummie(Annie) for mouth to mouth and heart massage etc. Got a nice picture and certificate at the end. Interestingly my Aprilia factory was road legal for the course ( small plate, loud cans and dark visor. Yeah they were the days.) but next week heading to Brands the same instructor pulled me over and told me I’ve got a choice of £30 fine, any one of the above. He apologised but said his guv had told them they had to pull some bikes going to Brands. Nothing changes.👍🏻🏍
...that's a bit rough....