Hackney residents thinking about riding a motorcycle can get a kick start on road safety with a free theory course and discounted on-road training programme available to new learners from June 2010.

The Council’s Road Safety Team, in partnership with Metropolitan Police, East London Advanced Motorcyclists, BikeSafe and Scooterden, will be offering potential moped and scooter riders, who live, work or attend further education in the borough, the opportunity to participate in a free course aimed at improving road safety awareness as well as providing practical information and advice.

Courses start in June and consist of two theory sessions that will include information on the dangers/hazards and the consequences of accidents or crashes on the road; legislation for riders; safety equipment; buying a vehicle; the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT); passing the DSA motorcycle test; and ongoing ‘post test’ rider training.

The courses will also provide free road safety resources for young and new riders. Anyone who completes a course will receive a 50 per cent voucher off their CBT training, which must be completed before a learner motorcycle rider is allowed on the road with L-plates.

Councillor Feryal Demirci, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Our Road Safety team works hard to promote safety awareness in a variety of ways to road users. This is an opportunity for new riders in the borough to learn about the many benefits, as well as the hazards and laws, of motorcycling.”

Participants do not have to own a vehicle but must have a provisional motorcycle licence or full motor car licence with provisional moped/scooter entitlement, which they will need to take part in the on-road CBT training.

To book a place on the theory course, limited to 20 people per course, please call Sandra Agbabiaka on 020 8356 8364 or email: sandra.agbabiaka@hackney.gov.uk

For more information about the course and road safety in Hackney, visit the Council’s website: www.hackney.gov.uk/motorcycling