Rider safety courses come with tiny price tag
The difference between avoiding a motorcycle accident and suffering injuries could be as little as $20.
That’s the cost of three workshops the council is running during the next few months in an effort to reduce motorcyclist injuries.
The council-subsidised workshops are open to riders with a learner’s, restricted or full motorcycle licence and will be held on August 26, September 30 and November 18. There is a limit of 12 riders per workshop to ensure participants get plenty of individual attention. Beginners’ workshops are half a day, experienced riders’ a full day.
Road safety co-ordinator Jan Simmons says feedback from last year’s workshops was overwhelmingly positive.
“Riders told us that they learned valuable tips – even those who’d been riding for 30 or 40 years.”
She says riders finished the workshops feeling more confident and more able to enjoy riding. “They know they will be better prepared to respond to hazardous situations.”
Workshops cover safe cornering, emergency braking, correct positioning on the road to make yourself more visible to drivers, bike handling at low and high speeds, and wet weather riding. There is strong emphasis on recognising potential hazards and responding in the right way.
At least six motorcyclists were seriously injured on Hutt roads last year and 18 suffered minor injuries, according to New Zealand Transport Agency figures released this month. However, Jan says research has shown a significant under-reporting of crashes, so the real figures are almost certain to be much higher.
To register, phone 570 6730 or email roadsafety@huttcity.govt.nz