Motorcyclists encouraged to learn life saving skills

LIFE-saving skills will be taught to motorcyclists in a bid to reduce the number of bikers killed and seriously injured on the roads of Sussex.

First Bike @ Scene, on Sunday (July 15) will focus on teaching riders vital first aid which will help save the lives of others who may have come off their motorbikes or been involved in a collision.

PC Glen McArthur, of Sussex Police’s road policing unit, said: “Sadly the statistics for people killed or seriously injured on all forms of two-wheeled transport are consistently high and the warmer weather and longer days see an increase in people travelling on bikes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Whether it’s for commuting or pleasure, motorcycling comes with a high degree of risk so we are aiming to provide some essential skills and advice that may help in the unfortunate event of a collision.”

Life support

“Often the first person at the scene of motorcycle collision is a fellow biker,” said PC McArthur.

“During the event we will be providing down-to-earth input to riders on basic life support skills which may just save a fellow rider’s life in the first minutes of an incident.

“The roadshow will look at demonstrating and teaching skills such as scene protection, how to check for breathing and advice on helmet removal.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service will be providing important input into the day.”

The event is being held at Whiteways car park, Bury Hill, near Arundel, from 9.30am.

Anyone who would like to attend can just turn up on the day.

Increased risk

Motorcyclists are much more likely to be killed or seriously injured than any other road user group.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Only one per cent of vehicle miles are on motorbikes and scooters but motorcyclists account for 25 per cent of those killed and seriously injured on the roads across Sussex.

Crew commander Alan Blair from Littlehampton fire station, said: “West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are proud to be a part of this significant event working alongside our colleagues from Sussex Police to promote safer driving amongst motorcyclists.

“Unfortunately, all too often we see the appalling aftermath of horrific road traffic collisions and through events such as this we hope we can educate the public.”