I can understand that the Module 2 Road Ride part of the test might be affected by the ianticipated ncrease in traffic but this is another example of more pressure being placed on a Motorcycle Training & Testing system that is struggling and straining due to the lack of test centres and long wait for tests.

I fail to see why this period can not be used to ease the waiting list for the Module 1 of the test, which doesn’t take place on road at all.

I think the DSA are missing an opportunity here.

So whilst the forthcoming Ryder Cup has been hailed as a welcome boost for the economy it is the motorcycle industry that is adversely affected and remains firmly in the bunker.

So what do I think of this decision? Well I bought a second hand golf bag once. There were no clubs, no tees no pencils, no club covers. In fact all I found at the bottom of the bag was just a load of balls………

In spite of this set back 1st Class Rider Training will still be carrying out motorcycle training in Cardiff and Newport and we aim to use the time well, to prepare our students for a future on the road.

So why don’t you put this time to good use and book a course with 1st Class Rider Training. Call us now for up to the minute availability.

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In an intiative to reduce the illegal use of ‘Off Road’ vehicles namely motorcycles and quads, it has been anounced that the owners of these ‘nuisance’ vehicles can swap them for a Mountain Bike and Accessories.

In an amnesty being planned for 23rd – 29th of August a hotline will be set up where residents can call to arrange the exchange.

This scheme (presumably being run by Cardiff Council – although the press release didn’t give details) is aimed at relieving the off road nuisance particularly in Cardiff East.

Interesting.

If the rumour is true about the people with seized engines on their BMW GS 1200 (07 & 57 plates) they might be keen to swap their out of warranty Beemer for a new pedal bike. There might be quite a take up.

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The Fire Service literature details how the scheme will operate. It explains ;..

“”" South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has now launched ‘Ride Out…Ride Right’ to help keep motorcyclists safe on the roads.  If you are interested in taking part in our free observation rides then please read on,

You will be met by one of our three team riders at a pre-arranged meeting point.

You will ride to a fire station at either Abergavenny, Usk, Merthyr or Maesteg where you will be given a short presentation over a beverage.

The presentation includes Observation, Hazards and the Principles of Cornering.

Following the presentation you will then go out for an observation ride which will last for approximately an hour.

At the end of the ride you will be asked for your feedback and thoughts on the ride.

What we would like you to get out of this is to consider further training through recognised bodies, i.e. Bikesafe, RoSPA, IAM, MAG etc but most of all we want you to enjoy your riding and stay safe on our roads.

All you have to do is reply to us at RORR@southwales-fire.gov.uk confirming when you would be available, morning, afternoon, weekdays or weekends with a contact number and we will arrange your ride. “”"

I have met the Fire Service Riders and their enthusiasm is unquestionable and they are keen to make this new scheme a success.

At 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff we support any initiative that is intended to make riders safer, and to reduce casualties amongst all road users, but particularly motorcyclists and we wish them well.

We are happy to support the scheme.

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Whilst our office and approved CBT site is based in Cardiff we carry out much of our training for Direct Access Courses in Newport and Swansea.

With Module 1 of the new test taking place at the Multi Purpose Test Centres in Swansea or Newport much of our time is spent in these areas.,  I must still stress that we don’t simply rehearse the test route like some other training schools but we spend this time teaching you to ride in a variety of road conditions often well away from the test routes.

Also some other training schools have re-located their main training base into these areas but this requires you to travel and to make your own way often a considerable distance to the training base, but with us we include the journey to the testing areas as part of your training.  Our bikes are kept in Cardiff so the journey to the test centres is done with you in control and in the saddle.

So you spend more time in the saddle, and clock up more miles as we use the travelling to enhance the teaching experience.

So if you want 1st Class Rider Training in Newport give us a call.

If you want 1st Class Rider Training in Swansea give us a call.

If you want 1st Class Rider Training anywhere in between !  Give us a call.

It matters not where you live, you can still become a 1st Class Rider today.

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0845 108 2906.

If you are looking for 1st Class Rider Training in the Newport or Cardiff area then this is the new number you need.

In recent weeks there have been a number of training schools which have closed and a number who are down sizing resulting in some Instructors being laid off.

This is not the case for us. Here at 1st Class Rider Training we have seen an up-turn in our client numbers. Clients who are seeking the best Motorcycle Training in Cardiff & Newport areas.

Offering Motorcycle Training in Cardiff, Newport, Swansea and throughout the South Wales area we have recently taken on two additional Instructors and opened up a second booking line to cope with the demand.

To maintain and improve our levels of service you now have the choice of two Direct Booking Line Numbers.

If the lines are busy please leave a message or call back.

Direct Booking Lines:
0845 467 0165. 0845 108 2906.

Or to speak to me personally please call my mobile number: 07545 567 273.

We will do our best to fit you in.

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Here is the item:
A review of the motorcycle testing and training regime was today announced by Road Safety Minister Mike Penning.

The two-part motorcycle test was introduced in April 2009 to meet the requirements of the second EU Directive on driving licences.

The Minister ordered the review after listening to concerns from motorcycle groups and visiting a test centre to look at the testing procedure in more detail. Ways to improve training will also be considered.

Mike Penning said:

“Road safety is a top priority and the testing and training on offer is vital in our work to cut the disproportionately high numbers of motorcyclists killed and injured on our roads each year.

“It is clear there are concerns among the motorcycling community about the safety of the new test’s off-road module. There have also been complaints about the difficulty for riders in some areas of accessing the off-road test centres.

“That is why I am today asking riders, safety groups and motorcycle industry representatives to come forward with their ideas for how testing and training can be improved to ensure we produce safe, confident and responsible riders.”

The new test was introduced in order to meet the requirements of the second EU Directive on driving licences. While most elements in the off-road module 1 test are required by the Directive, there may be scope to make some changes to the way in which the test is carried out.

The DfT review will look at the manoeuvres carried out in both modules 1 (off-road) and 2 (on-road) and whether these manoeuvres could safely be conducted in the on-road test.

The review will also look at other related motorcycle testing and training issues, including the options for training and testing for progressive access under the third driving licence directive and how any changes relate to wider proposals to improve motorcycle training and testing.

Views are welcome from motorcycle riders, trainers, road safety groups, the wider public and others on what aspects of the motorcycle test should be looked at, including how and where they think motorcycle testing might best and most safely be carried out.

The precise scope and terms of reference of the review will be determined following discussions with motorcycle groups and other interested parties, with the aim of concluding the review by the autumn.

Views should be submitted to the Department for Transport by 31 July.

Notes to Editors:

Views can be sent to the DfT by email on: RUSD4consultation@dft.gsi.gov.uk
The current motorcycle test was introduced in April 2009 and is taken in two parts.

Module 1 contains the specified manoeuvres element of the test including exercises designed to assess the rider’s ability to control their machine safely, including avoidance and emergency stop exercises.

Module 2 includes an eyesight test and at least 30 minutes of on road riding.

Press Enquires: 020 7944 3066
Out of Hours: 020 7944 4292
Public Enquiries: 0300 330 3000
Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk

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Alexis was put through the pre- test pressure of a photocall before setting out on the new Merthyr test routes, showing the examiner how a 1st Class Rider does it, passing with flying colours. Our congratulations to her.

Never having ridden in Merthyr prior to her test she showed that our philosophy of teaching our students to ride and not simply rehearsing test routes is sound and effective. She rode safely and confidently and gained a good pass earning her right to take to the road as a breed of road user who knows how to get the best from today’s busy roads.

The new Merthyr test centre has re-located from the Town centre and is now to be found on the industrial estate at Troedyrhiw. With improved facilities and easier parking this is a good move for the DSA.

Congratulations Alexis.

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This quirky Country Pub in the village of Bleddfa, Mid Wales was owned by Racing and Bikes enthusiasts and served some of the best Steaks around.

Always with a warm welcome for bikers and offering free overnight camping this was a must see place.

A country pub on the outside but inside jammed full of Motorcycle, Ferrari and racing memorabilia.  The chimney breast in the dining room even had half a car emerging through the wall!.

A visit there today, whilst Advanced Training, sadly we found it closed, boarded up and For Sale.

We’ll ‘watch this space’ to see if it re-opens, especially to see if the ‘Bikers Welcome’ still exists.

A sad loss in the eating directory of 1st Class Rider Training!

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However this has sparked security fears.

The PM was warned that he was putting himself at increased risk of attack if he gets stuck in traffic.

This move was not officially announced but sources say that it was an ‘ostentation’ to be sped through the traffic by Police Escort.

Ex- PM Gordon Brown had been escorted by up to six motorcycle escort out-riders, whose job it was to stop traffic and clear a path for the following convoy of cars. The golden rule was to keep moving.

Mr Cameron’s decision was questioned by security experts after his blue, bullet-proof Jaguar was photographed stuck in traffic on Whitehall.

Dai Davies, a former head of Royalty Protection at Scotland Yard said, ‘The first rule is to keep moving. When you stop you get hit. I am worried and I would urge Mr Cameron to re-consider’, he said.

Having been involved in the planning and running of many VIP Escorts over the years myself, I agree that the PM may be subjecting himself to increased risk.

The purpose od the Motorcycle Escort team was to move the VIP, safely and to ensure the minimum disruption to other traffic along the route.  This resulted in the VIP being kept moving and the free flow of traffic being restored with only minor hold ups to the general public.  VIP Safety was paramount and it is essential that they do not become a ‘sitting target’

Mr Cameron, this is one decision which you may need to re-think. You run the Country and let the experts run you.

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MAG is the representative voice of riders in local and national government and passionately defends all that is good about motorcycling.

MAG campaigns to protect and promote motorcycling and the interests and rights of all riders, from learner to advanced.

MAG celebrates biking and the freedoms and independence it provides, through it’s support of parties, rallies, sport and competition, touring and travel, and through the camaraderie all riders share.

MAG works directly with politicians and civil servants but still employs other forms of direct action if necessary to ensure the rider’s voice is heard.

Current Campaigns

Current Campaigns include;

AGAINST;  Latest EU proposals to prevent owners modifying their bikes.

AGAINST; Over complicated and expensive Learner laws.

FOR; Non slip manhole covers and proper road maintenance.

FOR; Access to bus lanes and free, secure parking.

Past Successes

Won; An exemption from congestion charging and most bridge tolls.

Defeated; EU proposals for a 100bhp limit on bikes.

Changed; Proposals for continuous taxation and insurance of bikes not in use.

Moving Forward

With MAGS position on working groups within the DSA DfT, and DVLA MAG continues to ensure that the voice of the rider is heard at the centre of democratic government.

They support the RAV campaign (Riders Are Voters) in the pre-election run up.

Benefits of membership include;

A representative voice in local and national government.

The Road. An 84 page colour bi-monthly magazine mailed directly to members.

Bikesure,  low cost motorcycle insurance from Adrian Flux,

Legal Helpline, free 24/7 advice on any legal problem provided by access legal.

These are just some of the member benefits.  visit the MAG web site for full details.

So why not join today?  Annual individual membership is just £25.  Application forms are avaialble for me at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff.  Give us a call.

I am a member and 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff are about to become Corporate Members and we will be able to offer discounts to other MAG members on our training and tours.

Watch this space for details and we will keep you posted.

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