A Number of Initiatives for Motorcyclists in Powys
With 3,400 miles of road, Powys has the largest road network in Wales and motorcyclists come from far and wide to enjoy our rural roads.
In 2014, 6 motorcyclists lost their lives as a result of a road traffic collision in the County and in excess of 25 motorcyclists received serious injuries. As one of the most vulnerable road users in Powys, the Council’s Road Safety Unit wants to reduce the number of motorcyclists involved in collisions.
The Unit has introduced a number of initiatives to help motorcyclists ride safely, thanks to funding from the Welsh Government.
People who live and work in Powys have the opportunity to attend the ‘Ride On’ one day motorcycle course, which is designed to give motorcyclists an introduction to advanced motorcycling and consists of an informal theory session, followed by an assessment ride out, which is captured on the tutors’ bike mounted cameras.
Courses are taking place at the following dates and locations:
Saturday 7 March – Llandrindod Wells
Saturday 28 March – Newtown
Additionally, the Road Safety Unit is sponsoring places on Dyfed-Powys Police ‘Bikesafe’ courses, to enable any motorcyclist who uses our roads to attend the course for free.
Courses are available at the following dates and locations:
Saturday 21 March - Newtown
Sunday 22 March – Llandrindod Wells
The Road Safety Unit, in partnership with Mid & West Wales Fire & Rescue Service, also provides and delivers the ‘Biker Down!’ course for any motorcyclist who uses our roads. The 3 hour course covers such topics as collision scene management, emergency first aid and helmet removal and the science of being seen.
Courses will be available at Fire Stations in Newtown, Llandrindod Wells and Brecon. Additionally, the Road Safety Unit is able to take the course to existing motorcycle clubs.
Finally, the unit is also making the ‘Crash Card’ scheme available to any motorcyclist who uses the county’s roads. The card contains the personal details of the motorcyclist and sits in the lining of their helmet and can be used by the emergency services should they ever be involved in a collision.
For information on any of these schemes or indeed to book a place, please contact the Road Safety Unit on 01597 826979 or email road.safety@powys.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can visit the Unit’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/RoadSafetyPowys