London Fire Brigade Launches Biker Down Scheme

Following on from Motorcycle Awareness Day, which was held on the 11th of this month at the Ace Cafe, London, the London Fire Brigade launched a new initiative and training scheme to help riders deal with a crash on two wheels.

What is Biker Down? Biker Down! is a free nationwide scheme that was devised to provide the tools to help bikers if they’re involved in a crash.

The scheme is in partnership with London Ambulance Service, Transport for London and the Metropolitan Police.

What does it cover? The course, which lasts four hours, covers three main areas:

• How to manage a scene if you come across a crash involving a motorcycle.
• How to help an injured rider by providing early intervention at the roadside.
• Motorcycle-specific first aid - how to remove a helmet and practical tips on safer riding.

Other areas covered include:

First Aid. You will learn about first aid, specifically for victims of motorcycle crashes, which include the correct use of CPR, basic life support techniques, crash helmet removal, and how to manage spinal injuries.

Visibility. This is a subject dear to our hearts. Topics covered will include correct clothing, and motion camouflage (see [visibility on a scooter] (https://scootsafely.com/blog/visibility-on-a-scooter-z-motion-x-motion-and-why-cars-pull-out-in-front-of-you/)).

Upon Completion

Upon completion of the free course, you will receive:

• A certificate of attendance.
• A first-aid kit designed to be carried under the seat of your scooter.
• You will also qualify for a discount to attend the BikeSafe-London Rider Skills Day delivered by The Metropolitan Police Service’s Motorcycle Safety Team.

I applaud this kind of scheme, and encourage anybody within reach to attend this course. Who knows? That next scooter rider’s life saved could be yours!

For more information, and to book your place, visit: The London Fire Brigade Web Site.

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