Try Ride

New initiative encourages young people to try riding this summer

The National Young Rider Forum has teamed up with Phoenix Motorcycle Training to encourage young people to try motorcycling this summer, through an initiative that provides a riding experience.

The Try Ride scheme is aimed at first-time riders, yet to start their compulsory basic training course (CBT), and comprises two online modules, which participants must take before getting into the saddle for a riding experience.

The course would typically cost £40, but those who complete both the online and practical sessions will be refunded £20 of that price. 300 discounted places are available under the initiative, which has the backing of the Driving and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA)

The aim of the scheme is to explore whether those who complete the course are more competent riders when it comes to taking their CBT, and ultimately safer riders.

The results could help to inform future policy around licensing regulations.

Heidi Duffy MBE, facilitator of the NYRF, said: “Motorcycling is a lifeline for many young people, offering them freedom without the expense of learning to drive and buying a car.

“Taking the CBT gives new riders a good grounding in the basic skills and knowledge to ride a motorcycle safely.

“This initiative seeks to enhance the existing syllabus, by introducing new riders to two excellent e-learning modules, Ridefree and View from the Saddle.

“We hope that these modules, combined with giving young people their first riding experience in a safe environment, will lead to increasing numbers choosing motorcycling as a transport choice.”

Learning the key skills to maximise the experience
The two online modules being used as part of the scheme are both evidence-led and have been developed by leading industry experts.

The first, Ridefree, is an online training course for moped and motorcycle riders developed by the DVSA and National Highways.

Ridefree comprises modules covering topics such as the Highway Code, PPE and bike maintenance. Once registered, it can be completed in sections, enabling riders to come back and finish the modules in a time scale that suits their needs.

The second is a brand-new resource developed by the NYRF with Esitu, thanks to funding from The Road Safety Trust.

View from the Saddle comprises 18 short hazard perception/hazard prediction films, depicting 20 new hazards for would-be motorcyclists to spot.

These are real hazards, filmed from the perspective of a young motorcyclist, that can cause riders to be involved in serious crashes, if not spotted out on the road.

Ruth Purdie OBE, chief executive of The Road Safety Trust, said: “It’s vital that any young person starting out riding for the first time understands the very real and devasting risks that exist on our roads – especially for motorcyclists.

“It’s a shocking statistic that bikers make up only 1% of road users, but 20% of all road fatalities in the UK. Any training intervention that can help reduce bring this figure down is absolutely worthwhile, which is why I was pleased that The Road Safety Trust could support the NYRF in this way.”

Phoenix Motorcycle Training is one of the largest motorcycle training schools in the UK. They have 21 centres across the country.

The partnership with Phoenix Motorcycle Training will provide access to a large number of potential learners. Along with giving the project a single point of contact to evaluate its effectiveness.

Try Ride bookings can be made through the Phoenix website by clicking on your nearest location below or emailing [email protected] or calling the friendly customer service team on 0330 223 5797

If there are no booking slots available that suit you please call 0330 2235787 an we will try to find one for you