Volunteer observers with the Bikesafe scheme have been recognised for all their good work.
Chief Superintendent Richard Brough, who is head of the Operational Services Group, recently presented a Divisional Commanders award as a token of appreciation to the volunteers for all the work they undertake.
Since 1997, the volunteer observers have assisted with the popular BikeSafe course by riding out and observing the riding of attendees on some of the many free workshops that are held in North Wales during 10 months of the year.
“We have 22 Volunteer Bikesafe Observers who do sterling work,” said Paul Cheshire, North Wales BikeSafe Co-ordinator. “All the volunteers have suitable riding skills and are trained to advanced rider or are police standard riders. Many of them are from the public sector, some are ex-police officers or police motorcyclists who give up their free time to assist with the courses,” added Paul.
The BikeSafe initiative aims to reduce motorcycle casualties and provide education to riders on road safety. As part of this the attendees on the workshop go out on a ride in no more than a group of three with an observer. The observer demonstrate their rider skills and then assess the riding of the attendees while out on the road and provide both a verbal and written assessment for the rider and course co-ordinator.
Chief Supt Brough said: “The award is recognition of the good work the volunteers undertake in providing support to the motorcycle educational facility ‘BikeSafe’. By giving up their free time they have helped ensure that more motorcyclists benefit from the course. The reputation of the observers is renowned and we are pleased that the volunteer observers continue to show their support and give up their free time to benefit the motorcycling community and North Wales Police.”
Representing the Volunteer Bikesafe Observers and accepting the commendation were Marc Harper, Silvester Wilson and Chief Inspector Mark Owen.
