IAM RoadSmart has been helping with motorcycle instructor training for Avon and Somerset Police during lockdown.
Area service delivery manager, Robbie Downing, a former Avon and Somerset Police driver and rider trainer, was drafted in by Rhys Hughes, head of the driver training unit, to put officers through their paces when the policing demands during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted on rider trainer assessment arrangements.
Hughes, who is a member of Bristol Advanced Motorcyclists, turned to IAM RoadSmart to help keep the force’s motorcycle training on the road by training two of the Driver Training Unit’s team of 10 driver trainers.
Downing was assessed and re-authorised by Dorset Police to deliver the course, in line with national standards.
He then put Hughes, and police driver and rider trainer colleague Mark Cory through their paces during an intensive six-week course. They both passed their assessments with flying colours and will now train the next generation of Avon and Somerset police riders.
Hughes said: “I am extremely grateful to IAM RoadSmart for stepping in and providing support at short notice to keep our training on track during the coronavirus crisis.
“Police motorcycle training is carried out to national standards and Robbie’s extensive experience as a police motorcyclist and trainer and with IAM RoadSmart meant he was well placed to fill the temporary gaps in training and assessment we had. This professional development will be of huge benefit to both our organisations, as we feed the experience back into IAM RoadSmart advanced courses and police rider training.”
Downing commented: “Rhys and his policing colleagues across the country do a great deal to support IAM RoadSmart. We share a commitment to reducing the number of people who are killed or injured on UK roads.
“Our nationwide network of skilled riders, which include those like Rhys using their policing expertise to contribute towards our commitment to making better riders, generously give their time to coach others to Advanced Rider standard.
“By working together in this way, we are making an even greater commitment to road safety.”
