Posted on Friday 17th July 2026 in Education & Training, Motorcycling
Partners gathered at Ryka’s Café in Dorking before setting off on the BikeSafe Partner Day.
Around 15 riders from Surrey Police, Surrey County Council, National Highways and Surrey Fire & Rescue Service gathered at Ryka’s Café in Dorking before setting off on guided rides through Surrey and Sussex. Led by experienced BikeSafe observers, the day gave partners the opportunity to experience the nationally recognised BikeSafe workshop first-hand, helping them better understand how the initiative supports riders in developing safer riding skills and encouraging lifelong learning.
During the Partner Day, participants took part in pre-ride briefings before heading out on carefully planned routes from Dorking to Horsham and back, stopping throughout the day for debriefs and discussions with their observers. The sessions covered a range of key riding topics, including rider attitude, hazard perception, cornering, positioning, overtaking, observation and braking techniques.
PC Paul Church, a police motorcyclist and BikeSafe observer, from the Surrey Police’s Vanguard Road Safety Team, said:
“BikeSafe is all about helping motorcyclists become as safe as possible. We observe their riding and provide practical advice to help improve their skills, increase their awareness of hazards and develop safer riding habits. We also demonstrate advanced riding techniques and positioning that can help riders extend their view of the road ahead and make more informed decisions.
The Partner Day gives our Surrey RoadSafe colleagues the opportunity to experience BikeSafe for themselves so they can better understand the benefits and encourage more riders to take part. Advanced rider training is valuable for every motorcyclist. Riders are among the most vulnerable road users, so developing the ability to anticipate hazards and respond safely can make a real difference every time they ride.”
The Partner Day was organised to strengthen understanding of BikeSafe across the Surrey RoadSafe partnership, enabling colleagues to become better advocates for advanced rider training within their own organisations and when engaging with the public.
Participants received one-to-one guidance and feedback from experienced BikeSafe observers throughout the day.
One participant said:
“I recently returned to motorcycling after many years away from riding. Although I’d completed advanced training in the past, I wanted to make sure my skills were still up to date and that I was riding as safely as possible. BikeSafe seemed like the perfect opportunity to refresh those skills.”
Following the observed ride, the participant said:
“I’d encourage any motorcyclist to give BikeSafe a go. Even small improvements can make you a safer and more confident rider. The feedback was constructive, easy to understand and gave me practical techniques that I’ll continue to use every time I ride.”
The day also highlighted the strength of partnership working, bringing together organisations with a shared commitment to Vision Zero, improving road safety and eliminating serious and fatal collisions on Surrey’s roads. By experiencing the course themselves, partners gained valuable insight into the practical skills and coaching that help riders become safer and more confident on the road.
The observed ride took participants through Surrey and Sussex, providing real-world coaching in a variety of road environments.
Throughout the day, riders received personalised feedback from their observers, reinforcing the importance of continual development and recognising that even experienced motorcyclists can benefit from professional guidance. The supportive nature of BikeSafe encourages riders to reflect on their own riding, build confidence and develop techniques that can help reduce their risk on the road.
Motorcyclists remain one of Surrey’s most vulnerable road user groups, and Surrey RoadSafe continues to encourage riders to invest in their own safety through accredited post-test training. Whether someone has recently passed their test or has many years of riding experience, BikeSafe offers a practical opportunity to develop skills, increase confidence and make every journey safer.
BikeSafe workshops are open to riders who want to build on their existing skills in a friendly, supportive environment. To find out more or book a workshop, visit the national BikeSafe website.
The inaugural Surrey RoadSafe BikeSafe Partner Day brought together organisations with a shared commitment to improving road safety.