Riders urged to improve their roadgoing skills
BIKERS love nothing more than sitting astride their machines and heading out on the open road — the more winding the better.
But with the huge volumes of traffic on Britain’s highways today these roads can be dangerous places.
However, staying safe doesn’t have to be left to chance. Why not improve your skills and appreciation of the joys or riding by taking an advanced riding course?
Coaching motorcyclists to a higher standard comprehensively improves skills and attitudes, according to a study published by road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).
Respondents said undertaking the IAM advanced riding course made them feel safer, more confident, more attentive, more observant and more decisive in their riding. By doing so it also adds to their enjoyment on the road.
The top five reasons for taking the IAM advanced test were:
• To improve general standard of riding;
• To become a safer rider;
• To reduce the risk of being involved in an accident;
• To come a more confident ider;
• For achievement/challenge.
Riders under the age of 30 were more likely to identify ‘improving my general standard of riding’ as a reason for taking the test and to obtain cheaper insurance.
Younger riders also showed a pleasing level of responsibility as they were more likely to select ‘to demonstrate to others that my riding was of a high standard’ and ‘to influence other peoples’ riding’ as reasons for taking the test.
Results of the survey showed:
• Ninety-nine per cent of riders said the IAM advanced test had a permanent, positive effect on them as a rider;
• Ninety-seven per cent of respondents said that the IAM advanced test had increased their enjoyment of riding;
• Ninety-four per cent of respondents said the test had made them safer riders;
• Sixty-one per cent said that taking the test had helped them to avoid a specific accident or incident.
IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “The IAM advanced riding qualification makes motorcyclists safer and more skilled. Motorcycling has a positive role to play in reducing congestion and emissions and should not be held back by safety concerns.
“We want to work with the Government, manufacturers, dealers, police and road safety officers to promote the many benefits of safe motorcycling.”