The Borders Group of Advanced Motorcyclists (BGAM) will be holding its 5th annual open day on Saturday April 6th, 2019 from 10.00 till 15.00 at Galashiels Fire Station, 26 Abbotsford Rd, Galashiels.
Following the success of previous years, BGAM will once again be offering up to 20 free places on the IAM Road Smart ‘Skills for Life’ course, as part of its drive to encourage better and safer motorcycling on local roads and further afield. The free places are available on a ‘first come first served’ basis to those who attend and sign up on the day, with the upfront fee (£125) refunded upon successful completion of the course and passing the test before March 31st 2020.
Our partners in this initiative are; Transport Scotland DriveWise, Scottish Borders Council, Scottish Fire Service , Scottish Ambulance and Police Scotland.
Free 30-minute ride assessments with qualified IAM Road Smart observers will also be available throughout the day.
Over the last four years, the Scottish Borders Council, Police Scotland and BGAM have assisted over 70 Borders riders complete the course and pass the IAM Road Smart Advanced riders test.
Jimmy Wright, BGAM Group Secretary, said:
“All the partners involved are keen to reduce the number of incidents involving motorcycles in and around the Scottish Borders. One of the ways of achieving this is through education and the ‘Skills for Life’ course which aims to make motorcycle riders become ‘Thinking Riders’ through the continual use of the 5 elements of motorcycle control; Information, Position, Speed, Gear and Acceleration.
“If you want to know more about advanced riding and the ‘Skills for Life’ courses, come along on the day and have a chat with one of our friendly team of observers or contact us at enquire@bgam.org.uk.”
Brenda and Rod Mitchell of Peebles-based Motorcycle Law Scotland signed up 2 years ago and have been impressed by the training.
Brenda said:
“We’ve been motorcyclists all our adult lives, but we recognise the importance of continuous training and instruction. There is always something new to learn which will help ensure everyone’s safety on the roads.
“This is a great initiative by BGAM and DriveWise Borders and we support it wholeheartedly.”
Places on the course are available to riders who hold a UK category A or A2 license. They must have a legal and roadworthy motorcycle capable of maintaining the national speed limit, commit to completing the course by March 31st 2020 and must be residents in the Scottish Borders Council area.
*The sign-up process will involve an upfront fee of £125 and a non-refundable contribution to your observers costs currently £45. The fee for the course will be refunded upon successful completion of the course and passing of the test.
Representatives from Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue, Scottish Ambulance, Blood Bikes Scotland and many others including some local traders will also be present at BGAM’s Open Day where refreshments will be available.
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