BikerDown! Equipping Riders with Lifesaving Skill
A crucial training programme, BikerDown!, is empowering motorcyclists across the UK with the knowledge and skills to manage the scene of a road traffic collision, provide essential first aid, and enhance their own visibility on the road. This free, three-hour course is often the first line of response when a fellow biker is involved in an accident, making it an invaluable resource for the riding community.
Developed to address the unfortunate reality that fellow motorcyclists are frequently the first on the scene of an accident, BikerDown! provides practical, life-saving training. Delivered by experienced professionals, often from local Fire and Rescue Services and their partners, the programme aims to give bikers the confidence and competence to act effectively in a crisis.
The course is typically structured around three core modules:
Accident Scene Management: This section focuses on how to safely manage a crash scene, protecting casualties, other road users, and oneself. It covers initial assessment, making the area safe, coordinating with other witnesses, and gathering crucial information for emergency services.
First Aid for Motorcyclists (Casualty Care): Tailored to the types of injuries commonly seen in motorcycle incidents, this module equips riders with vital first aid skills. Topics include assessing trauma, performing CPR and basic life support, managing suspected spinal injuries, and the correct procedure for helmet removal – a critical decision in motorcycle accidents.
The Science of Being Seen: Understanding how to be more visible on the road is a key preventative measure. This module delves into conspicuity, the effectiveness of high-visibility clothing, and phenomena like motion camouflage and looming that can make motorcyclists difficult for other road users to see. It also often includes advice on pre-ride checks and defensive riding strategies.
"DO IT FOR DAVE" - A Life Saved, A Campaign Inspired
Highlighting the real-world impact of the BikerDown! programme is the "DO IT FOR DAVE" campaign. This initiative shares the compelling story of Dave, a motorcyclist who survived a cardiac arrest thanks to the immediate actions of individuals who had completed the BikerDown! course. His story serves as a powerful testament to the life-saving potential of the training and encourages more riders to participate.
Why Attend?
For any motorcyclist, the BikerDown! course is a significant investment in their own safety and the safety of their fellow riders. The skills learned can make a critical difference in the immediate aftermath of an accident, potentially preventing further injury or even saving a life. Beyond the invaluable knowledge, attendees typically receive a certificate of completion and a motorcycle-specific first aid kit, ready to be carried on their bike.
How to Get Involved
BikerDown! courses are offered फ्री of charge by numerous Fire and Rescue Services and road safety partnerships across the UK. To find and sign up for a course in your local area, motorcyclists are encouraged to:
Visit the website of their local Fire and Rescue Service.
Check national resources like the DocBike website, which often has a directory of BikerDown courses.
Look for booking information via platforms like Eventbrite, or contact their local road safety team directly. For instance, in Rutland and Leicestershire, interested individuals can contact the Road Safety Team by emailing Bikerdown@leics-fire.gov.uk or calling 0116 287 2241.
By participating in BikerDown!, riders are not just learning skills; they are becoming part of a prepared and proactive community, ready to make a positive difference when it matters most.
