Ride for your life with free motorbike sessions in Weymouth

Free sessions are being held on local roads across Dorset for motorcyclists to learn skills that could help save their lives.

Starting 11 September, the four autumn ‘Ride Safe’ events are geared towards enhancing road-riding skills and provide a chance to ride out on local roads with advanced instructors.

Each session begins with a 90-minute presentation designed to help riders become more aware of the risks and hazards of riding on the roads.  Then, those signed up for the practical ride-out will take a rider and bike check before riding the route with an Institute of Advanced Motorists Group Observer.

The observer will watch them ride and give feedback to improve their hazard awareness and road-riding skills while helping them get more enjoyment out of riding their bike.The events take place from 9am to 1pm at the following locations:

•    Saturday 11 September – Willowbed Hall, Chickerell, DT3 4AJ

Route:  Weymouth to Bridport coast road (B3157) and return

•    Sunday 19 September – Furzebrook Village Hall, BH20 5AR

Route:  Wareham to Swanage (A351) returning via the B3069

•    Saturday 25 September – Morden Village Hall, BH20 7DL

Route: Bere Regis to Sturminster Marshall (A31), to Blandford (A350) returning

on the A354/C6

•    Saturday 2 October  – Osmington Village Hall, DT3 6EF

Route: Osmington to Crossways (A353/B3390), to Dorchester (C33), returning via Broadmayne/Came Down on the A352/C54

To take part in the ride-out, riders need to be a full licence holder and their bike must be 250cc or over, taxed, insured and with a current MOT certificate if applicable.

Ride Safe is a Dorset Road Safe partnership initiative led by Dorset County Council, the Dorchester and West Dorset Advanced Motorcyclists and the Bournemouth and Wessex Advanced Motorcyclists groups.

Bikers will also be able to find out about a first aid training course for motorcyclists run by South West Ambulance Service.

Booking is essential as places are limited. Contact the road safety team on 01305 224267 or email roadsafety@dorsetcc.gov.uk