AS THE new riding season approaches Wiltshire Police is inviting motorcyclists to take part in BikeSafe workshops that have been running for more than 20 years.

The national police-led initiative is designed to help riders improve their skills and awareness in a relaxed and supportive environment.

The scheme encourages motorcyclists to consider further accredited post-test training.

BikeSafe workshops include an observed ride with a police motorcyclist or an approved BikeSafe observer from IAM or RoSPA.

Sessions typically cover rider attitude, systematic riding methods, collision causation, cornering, positioning, overtaking, observation, braking and hazard perception.

Wiltshire Police’s force lead for BikeSafe John Hutchings said: “Whilst BikeSafe isn’t a training programme for riders, it does help provide detailed sessions on hazard awareness, how to make your motorcycling safer and culminates in an on-road observed ride.

“We’ve been offering the scheme for over 20 years for riders of all ages and experience and we continue to receive really positive feedback from attendees.

“Ultimately, as a police force, it is our aim to keep Wiltshire’s roads as safe as possible.

“Any fatality or serious injury collision on our roads is one too many, and we see the devastation fatal and serious road traffic collisions can leave behind for the rider or driver’s family and friends.

“We are committed to improving road safety for all and BikeSafe is a proven system to assist in upskilling riders to better negotiate the hazards on our roads.”

The cost of a workshop has been reduced nationally this year to £78.

However, riders who book before March 31 can secure a discounted rate of £49 by using the code SW49 at payment, thanks to funding from National Highways.

The offer applies to any workshop date this season.

The first workshop of the year will take place on March 8, with 16 places available.

Motorcyclists can find further details and book online via the Wiltshire Police website.