BIKER NEWS: Firefighters hosting Biker Down project

Firefighters have been working with bikers in a pilot project aimed at reducing the number of motorcyclists killed or injured on the roads.

BN -- Motherwell Community Fire Station played host to the first-Biker Down courses run in Scotland, with 56 people taking part.

The initiative was introduced by firefighter John Branney, a leading figure in the fire service’s Bikers Section, after he read about the Biker Down project delivered by Kent Fire and Rescue.

John said: “Motorcyclists are roughly 38 times more likely to be killed in a road traffic collision than people in cars.

“Around 30 bikers are killed or injured in the UK every day and the actions of those first on scene can be the difference between life and death.”

“Biker Down goes beyond telling people about the consequences of things going wrong and actually offers them the chance to learn practical skills that could be crucial if they come across an emergency.”

Designed by bikers for bikers, the course focuses on three key areas: accident scene management, first aid for motorcyclists and the science of being seen.

Area Manager Iain McCusker, senior officer for North Lanarkshire, said: “This initiative fits with our goal of always reducing the number of casualties on the roads and the reaction from participants has been hugely positive.”

“The work undertaken by John and the other volunteers to get this initiative up and running is greatly appreciated.”

To learn more e-mail w.bikerdownscotland@firescotland.gov.uk or find Biker Down Scotland on Facebook.

This article was first published on Monday 26 October 2015

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