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Popular road rider training brought to Auckland

Monday 9 November 2009, 10:46AM

By Franklin District Council

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AUCKLAND

More than 180 riders became safer road users last weekend after attending a unique motorcycle road rider training day, the first of its kind in the greater Auckland region.

Usually held in Taupo, the popular event has been brought north to teach Auckland riders the skills to stay safe on the roads.

The road rider training was run by the Hamilton Motorcycle Club in partnership with Franklin District Council and ACC, as part of The Ride Forever motorcycle safety campaign.

Lead coach Jon Van den Berg says too many riders are crashing. “Beyond learning the basic skills required to gain a motorcycle licence, riders are left alone to find their own way. The bad habits we practice then affect our riding style,” Van den Berg explained.

“The use of the newly opened Hampton Downs circuit for the training was hugely successful in providing a safe and controlled environment with a number of technically challenging corners to practice new skills.”

The course focused heavily on safer cornering techniques to improve rider skill and general awareness, all of which can be used when riding on the road to avoid potential crash situations. Correct suspension, tyre set-up and good braking techniques were also covered.

Franklin District Council Road Safety Coordinator Monique Haines says, “Franklin District Council is pleased to have brought this important road rider training to the greater Auckland area. The training sessions were so beneficial for developing rider’s skills and proved to be another opportunity to promote road safety. Riders left the training with considerably greater knowledge and practical experience that will prove invaluable on the road.”

“The training was so popular we had a waiting list of participants for both days.”

The Hamilton Motorcycle Club members felt a responsibility to help reduce motorcycle accident rates, which could ultimately reduce ACC levies.

Loss of control road accidents account for up to 38% of motorcycle fatalities and around 1300 motorcycle injuries each year.

The event was also supported by Counties Manukau Road Policing, Papakura District Council, Manukau City Council, Rodney District Council and North Shore City Council.

Sponsors include Full Throttle Motorcycles, Counties Honda, Boyds Motorcycles, Hamilton Motorcycle Centre, Honda Hamilton, Road and Sport Motorcycles and Waikato Yamaha.