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The RIDE course for motorcyclists

A positive and responsible approach to motorcycling in order to prevent further unnecessary deaths and injury to motorcyclists on our roads.

The Government’s road safety target for casualty reduction is generally being met, but motorcycle casualties are still unacceptably high.

In 2007, 26 motor cycle riders were killed and 236 were seriously injured in Essex. To curb this trend, an intervention with emphasis on attitude and behavior realignment is being introduced in Essex.

Riders who would normally receive points and a fine for inappropriate riding may now be referred to the innovative new RIDE course, which stands for ‘Rider Intervention and Developing Experience’.

Why is the course offered?
The law treats drivers and riders the same, but fails to recognize that there are fundamental differences between these two groups of road user. The RIDE Course is delivered as an aspect of the National Driver Improvement Scheme and offers an alternative to prosecution under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, for offences charged under “riding in a careless manner”. Riders suspected of any action endangering or causing inconvenience to others are also included.

The aim of the course
To increase awareness of current riding behaviour and provide a method to create a positive and responsible approach to motorcycling in order to prevent further unnecessary deaths and injury to motorcyclists on our roads.

Implementation
The intervention consists of a one day theory session and a second day practical element of 2-3 hours according to need and circumstances. The timings of the practical session will be confirmed by the instructor on day one and are dependant on the number of riders attending the course and the expected weather conditions. The practical element serves to reinforce the delivered theory, especially in riders with limited experience and / or low skill levels.

The theory component is based on the Prochaska & DiClemente Stages of Change construct (Transtheoretical Model of Behavioural Change) but also incorporates riders’ perceptions of other road users, hazard perception and awareness, as well as cognitive testing.

The course supplier
The course is provided by Essex County Council Road Safety who is the service provider to Essex Police and delivered by approved and experienced civilian instructors.

When courses take place
Courses are currently held monthly throughout the whole year on a Friday and Saturday.

Where courses are held
The courses are held at an Essex County Council Approved Training Centre in Colchester, details of which are available by following the link on the right of this page.

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU WILL NOT NEED YOUR BIKE ON DAY 1.   

The RIDE course involves a full day theory only session on day 1 and a practical riding session on day 2. You will be responsible for supplying your own machine on day 2, adhering to the conditions that will be outlined in your confirmation letter or e mail. Unless we are advised otherwise it is assumed that this is the case but if for any reason you are unable to provide a suitable bike we may be able to assist with alternative arrangements. It may be possible to hire a machine at a reasonable rate by prior arrangement with the course instructor.

If you wish to accepted the offer of a RIDE course from the Police Force referring you to the scheme and want to book a course you will need your Driving Licence number to hand whichever way you choose to book your course.

If you wish to take your course in Essex please CLICK HERE to be redirected to our online Booking website.

If you do not have internet access please phone our booking agents PDS on 0871 200 2217 who will be happy to assist you.

Please note that courses are scheduled to run with a minimum number of clients and if this minimum number is not attained a course will have to be rescheduled.

If you do not wish to take your course in Essex and require information on RIDE courses offered by any other Police Force area please click here. 

If you require any further information please contact the Driver intervention Team: Tel: 01268 297522 or e-mail: driver.improvement@essex.gov.uk

Terms and Conditions applicable to Driver Improvement Courses also apply to RIDE courses and can be viewed by following the link to the right of this page.

If you have not received the RIDE information leaflet from the Police and wish to download a copy please click here 

DURING PERIODS OF ADVERSE WEATHER IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO CANCEL COURSES AT SHORT NOTICE. TO CHECK THE STATUS OF COURSES PLEASE FOLLOW THE  "Up to Date Course Information" LINK ON THIS PAGE.