BSM WARNS POOR BIKE TRAINING ADDING TO DEATHS
19 July 2004 - RAC Motoring Services Ltd

The Driving Standards Agency lacks the resources to properly police the quality of motorcycle training instructors – and the shortage of expertise could contribute to rocketing motorcyclist death rates, warns BSM Rider Training, leading up to Bike to Work Day, this Wednesday 21 July.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has diverted trained personnel from assessing bike instructors, because demand for ordinary driving tests has created such long waiting lists. They are now reliant on a ‘good will’ system of overtime for the supervision of bike training schools. At the same time accident statistics show a substantial rise in the number of bikers killed or injured on Britain’s roads.

“There are simply not enough DSA representatives to properly assess and supervise new bike instructors,” said Mike Loydall, Head of BSM Rider Training. “If bike instructors aren’t trained properly, it’s unlikely that the pupils they take through training courses will end up with the skills needed to handle a bike on today’s roads.”

“The standard of training received by those learning to ride a bike is way below par. The DSA lacks the resource to police the current system let alone any future schemes such as post licence tuition. We believe that standards in bike instructor training have been diluted since ‘Direct Access Scheme’ courses were introduced in February 1998. These courses are not policed by the DSA. 3.6 million people hold bike licenses in this country, but how many of those have been inadequately trained due to the current system?” continued Loydall.

Since 1998, deaths and serious injuries amongst bikers have spiralled on Britain’s roads - with 609 people killed and 6,900 seriously injured in 2002. BSM Rider Training is calling on the Department for Transport to make additional resources available to the DSA to help stem this tide and have enough properly trained staff to assess the standards both of rider trainers and of the Direct Access courses that they provide.

BSM Rider Training is attempting to safeguard standards within the industry by establishing a self-regulating network of the best motorcycle training centres in the country. BSM inspects all its partners so that customers can be absolutely confident that bikes, instructors, equipment and facilities are of the highest order. All partners are regularly monitored to ensure their standards are the highest available, and that customers can be sure of fair prices.

Currently, a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) course must be completed by virtually everyone who wants to ride a two-wheeled vehicle on the road. This consists of theory and practical on the road elements, at the end of which a CBT certificate is issued, enabling a rider, aged 17 or above, to ride a bike up to 125cc while displaying L Plates.

Once the CBT has been completed, riders can follow one of two routes to proceed to a full license: the Direct Access Scheme course for riders over 21 years, or the Standard Motorcycle License. Theory and Hazard Perception tests are a prerequisite for all full license courses.

17-20 year olds: If you successfully pass the full Standard Motorcycle License test you can ride any motorcycle up to 33 brake horse power. After two years of riding on this license you receive an automatic upgrade enabling you to ride any size of machine.

21 year olds and upwards: the Direct Access Scheme can be taken by anyone of 21 years and over and leads a rider towards their full license without restriction on bike engine size.

“Motorcycling is growing in popularity and motorcycles and scooters are a cost effective alternative to the car. Riders can avoid congestion, big running costs and parking problems,” says Mike Loydall. “But accidents do happen and it’s especially important that riders prepare themselves properly before facing the hazards of today’s crowded and dangerous roads.

www.bsm.co.uk

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