Courses to improve motorbike skills

Subsidised motorcycle training days could be just the job to make two-wheeled transport safer.

Hamilton City has joined forces with Waikato District, Waipa District and Thames?Coromandel District Councils to deliver a series of motorcycle safety courses throughout the Waikato.

The next courses in the series are coming up in Hamilton next weekend

This is the second year training has taken place and according to Hamilton City road safety co-ordinator Gethin Morgan they are an event not to be missed.

"Whether you have been riding for years or starting a new hobby, there are training days available to suit all riding levels.

"The courses are all about increasing skills and confidence on your bike and if last year is anything to go by, they are a whole lot of fun as well!" Skills covered include cornering, braking, bike maintenance and slow speed manoeuvres.

"Put simply, these days are all about giving your motorcycle the rider it deserves," says Gethin.

The training is being delivered as part of the Ministry of Transport's road safety strategy called Safer Journeys.

The cost of the training will be subsidised by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and the four councils.

The training days take place on Saturday and Sunday December 15 and 16 at University of Waikato, Gate 10.

Saturday is for riders who have:

• a learner license, restricted license or are new to full license

• under three years' riding experience

• bikes up to 600cc.

Sunday is for riders who have:

• a full license

• more than three years' riding experience

• bikes 600cc and over.

There are strictly limited places. To register at a cost of $30 per day, contact Roadsafe Motorcycle Training (04) 232 0110.