Motorcyclists encouraged to brush up on riding skills

Summer is just around the corner and many motorcyclists will be dusting off their bikes and gearing up for some great rides throughout the district.

But with an increasing number of motorbike crashes happening in the Waikato region, it is important to continually upskill as a rider.

With this in mind, Waikato District, Waipa District and Hamilton City Councils are facilitating rider training days at Hamilton Go Kart Club later this month and in November.

Waikato District Council Road Safety Co-ordinator Megan Jolly says it’s great to see the ever increasing numbers of motorcyclists enjoying their riding on our roads. 

“The Waikato region is lucky to have some of the best roads to cruise around on including Raglan, north west Waikato and further afield in the Thames-Coromandel and Taupo areas,” she says.

“But it’s important to be a safe rider. Whether it’s improving braking and cornering or practising being a defensive rider ready to dodge those hazards, these rider training days are extremely useful.”  

Ms Jolly says the courses give riders the opportunity to practise skills in a closed-road environment at a heavily subsidised cost of only $50.

Mihi Bennett-Smith, Hamilton City Council Road Safety Coordinator, says managing risk and avoiding crashes depends on your thinking, skill set and riding your own ride, put simply the more skills you have, the better rider you'll be.

“It’s also important to remind motorists as well as motorcyclists of the importance of expecting the unexpected on our roads.  Being aware and looking twice when manoeuvring, especially at intersections is valuable information that is taught in this course," Mrs Bennett-Smith says.

The courses, only for licensed riders, are run by renowned riding instructor Andrew Templeton. 

They will be held on 16 September or 18 November for intermediate riders, and 17 September or 19 November for experienced riders.

Contact Andrew for more information on 0800 237 623 or email admin@roadsafe.co.nz You can also visit wwwroadsafe.co.nz