VROOM: Riders embarking on a motorcycle skills course in Martinborough last year. PHOTO/FILE
VROOM: Riders embarking on a motorcycle skills course in Martinborough last year. PHOTO/FILE
Subsidised skills and safety training for scooter and motorcycle riders is again to be offered in Wairarapa with an October date limited to 12 riders.
Councils throughout the Wellington region, with support from New Zealand Transport Agency, have been providing subsidised rider training for the past four years and morethan 400 riders have benefited.
Courses cover skills such as balance, control, braking and cornering, counter-steering, protective riding and safety gear, basic safety and pre-ride maintenance checks, hazard awareness, crash reduction and avoidance.
Police Sergeant Richard Hocken, of the Wellington District Road Policing Team, said increasing the safety of motorcyclists is a priority.
"Riding a motorcycle requires a different set of skills and a higher level of vehicle control than driving a car. Unfortunately the outcomes of any crash, regardless of the cause, is always more severe for motorcyclists," he said.
Wairarapa courses are run throughout the year with the next being held at the Colombo Rd netball courts, Masterton, on October 11 from 9.30am until 4.30pm.
Wairarapa Road Safety Council manager Bruce Pauling said places will be limited to 12 riders, so scooter riders or motorcyclists who want to be part of the course should book and pay online to secure a spot.
Mr Pauling can be contacted on 06 3771379, or by emailing rsmanager@wairsc.org.nz.
