New initiative encourages young people to try riding this summer
The National Young Rider Forum has teamed up with Phoenix Motorcycle Training to encourage young people to try motorcycling this summer, through an initiative that provides a riding experience.
The Try Ride scheme is aimed at first-time riders, aged 16-24 years, who are yet to take their CBT test. It comprises two online modules, which participants must take before getting into the saddle for a riding experience.
The course would typically cost £40, but those who complete both the online and practical sessions will be refunded £20 of that price. 300 discounted places are available under the initiative, which has the backing of the Driving and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA)
The aim of the scheme is to explore whether those who complete the course are more competent riders when it comes to taking their CBT, and ultimately safer riders.
The results could help to inform future policy around licensing regulations.
Heidi Duffy MBE, facilitator of the NYRF, said: “Motorcycling is a lifeline for many young people, offering them freedom without the expense of learning to drive and buying a car.
"Taking the CBT gives new riders a good grounding in the basic skills and knowledge to ride a motorcycle safely.
"This initiative seeks to enhance the existing syllabus, by introducing new riders to two excellent e-learning modules, Ridefree and View from the Saddle.
“We hope that these modules, combined with giving young people their first riding experience in a safe environment, will lead to increasing numbers choosing motorcycling as a transport choice."
Learning the key skills to maximise the experience
The two online modules being used as part of the scheme are both evidence-led and have been developed by leading industry experts.
The first, Ridefree, is an online training course for moped and motorcycle riders developed by the DVSA and National Highways.
Ridefree comprises modules covering topics such as the Highway Code, PPE and bike maintenance. Once registered, it can be completed in sections, enabling riders to come back and finish the modules in a time scale that suits their needs.
The second is a brand-new resource developed by the NYRF with Esitu, thanks to funding from The Road Safety Trust.
View from the Saddle comprises 18 short hazard perception/hazard prediction films, depicting 20 new hazards for would-be motorcyclists to spot.
These are real hazards, filmed from the perspective of a young motorcyclist, that can cause riders to be involved in serious crashes, if not spotted out on the road.
Phoenix Motorcycle Training is one of the largest motorcycle training schools in the UK. They have 21 centres across the country.
The partnership with Phoenix Motorcycle Training will provide access to a large number of potential learners. Along with giving the project a single point of contact to evaluate its effectiveness.
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NOTES FOR EDITORS
The National Young Rider Forum (NYRF) is a group of road safety professionals, joining their expertise to specifically look at young motorcyclists.
The forum members bring a wealth of expertise from all corners of Road Casualty reduction and include representatives from Local Authority Road Safety Teams, Safer Roads Partnerships, Motorcycle Industries Association (MCIA), Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), Police forces, Fire & Rescue and the DVSA.
More information about the Try Ride scheme can be found at: https://newriderhub.net/try-ride/
Alternatively, please contact Heidi Duffy MBE at: Heidi.duffy@viaem.co.uk
Try Ride bookings can be made directly through the Phoenix website at https://phoenixmotorcycletraining.co.uk/course/try-ride-nyrf/, emailing bookings@teachmetoride.co.uk or calling the customer service team on 0330 223 4000.
