NEWS FEED
Dorset’s first ‘Bikerdown!’ safety initiative event has taken place at the Safewise Centre in Bournemouth.
Hosted in partnership with the Docbike Project, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Dorset Police and proudly sponsored by Bournemouth Bikes, the fully booked event saw Dr Ian Mew (Dorset Police Medical Advisor and Air Ambulance Trauma Doctor) and PC Chris Smith (Dorset Police Bikesafe Co-ordinator) deliver a three hour engaging seminar, free of charge.
The duo educated riders on what to do the moment a motorcycle incident occurs including safely securing the scene, making sure an ambulance is called, treating a casualty and the controversial subject of how to safely remove a motorcycle helmet.
The event concluded with a talk about the ‘science of being seen’ where PC Smith explored the effectiveness of Hi-Viz, how best to use it and other factors including ‘motion camouflage’, ‘looming’ and tips on how riders can best be seen without wearing bright fluorescent pink from head to toe.
Feedback from the event was excellent. Students said that they would recommend the event to their fellow riders and friends and subsequently would now have the confidence and knowledge to step forward and potentially make that life-saving difference following an incident.
Those who attended received a free first aid kit, designed to be stored on a motorcycle, thanks to ‘Bikerdown!’ sponsors Bournemouth Bikes.
Dr Ian Mew said: “I’m really pleased our first event went really well, especially after all the hard work and planning from everyone involved. We have delivered potentially life-saving lessons to these students, giving them the confidence to step forward and make a real difference if the situation arises.”
PC Chris Smith said: “In the event of a motorcycle accident, the first person on scene is often a fellow biker. Our Bikerdown! seminars build upon the success of our Bikesafe courses, developed to reduce the casualty rates across Dorset’s roads. I’d like to personally thank everybody who attended as it’s people like them, who could help us save lives. That cannot be understated.”
Mike Lawrence, Managing Director, Bournemouth Bikes said: “I’m very proud to be involved and support the Biker Down courses. The content delivered by Ian and Chris, is both comprehensive and invaluable. If just one of us who attended has to call on the skills taught and save a life, then Bikerdown is a winner!”
Alison Shelton, Chief Executive, Safewise said: “We are so proud to be hosting this series of events at Safewise Bournemouth. This unique insight into “first on scene” from the emergency services, shared in our life-sized training village is priceless.”
Two more events are planned for 2016 which take place on: Tuesday 1 November and Tuesday 13 December.
More information about the ‘Bikerdown!’ course and the Docbike Project can be found at the Docbike website www.docbike.org.
