Logan Police have today launched a new program, designed to equip motorcycle riders with integral skills and know-how to stay safe on their rides.
How to keep it up-right has been organised and structured by Jimboomba officers following a significant number of motorcycle fatalities on their local and surrounding Logan roads in the past year.
This year alone, there have been 12 motorcycle fatalities in the South Eastern Region, mirroring an alarming state-wide trend which has seen 51 motorcyclists' lives lost – 17 more than the same time last year.
Assistant Commissioner Brian Wilkins said motorcycle riders were arguably the most vulnerable road users and police wanted all riders using local roads to know that a safer ride starts with them.
"We are inviting motorcycle riders who use our roads in the Scenic Rim and Logan to take part in a skill enhancing course, designed to help make their rides safer and more enjoyable," Assistant Commissioner Wilkins said.
"We're doing what we can to offer an opportunity for riders to be best equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure their safety on our roads."
Registration for course days opens today and includes practical tips to become a better rider, presentations from a motorcycle police officer, a forensic crash investigator and a paramedic, as well as a mentored ride with course facilitators and police officers on popular ride routes in the Scenic Rim.
Officer in Charge of Jimboomba Police Station, Senior Sergeant Peter Waugh said the course was open to riders of all skill levels, not just beginner riders.
"We're particulalrly talking to those who are returning to riding later in life and who perhaps have just recently bought their dream motorcycle and are starting to hit the road," Senior Sergeant Waugh said.
"We know that there is always room for improvement. Even our motorcycle officers refresh their skills every 12 months.
"This course teaches motorcycle dynamics, how your brain and vision work together to improve cornering, how to maximise your visibility on the road and the best riding gear to invest in.
"Our ultimate goal is for some of our most vulnerable road users to maximise their riding experiences and minimise the risk of them being on the road. We know a safe ride is a good ride."
As part of their ongoing efforts, police officers in the Logan policing district will be proactively engaging with motorcycle riders on their weekend rides around the Scenic Rim to talk to them further about their safety.
The initiative is supported by funding from the Queensland Government's Community Road Safety Grants scheme and is being delivered in conjunction with SMART Rider.
For more information and to enrol; visit https://mypolice.page.link/3ZkF
