Sussex Police have donated a former fleet motorcycle to road safety charity DocBike to support their work protecting riders across the county.
The BMW R1250RT , previously used by officers in the Roads Policing Unit, has been handed over to help DocBike in their efforts to reduce motorcyclist casualties on Sussex roads.
Motorcyclists remain among the most vulnerable road users, disproportionately more likely to be killed or seriously injured than other road users, while research also suggests riders can be among the least likely groups to engage with road safety messaging delivered by police or public authorities.
DocBike is a registered charity bringing together motorcycling enthusiasts from a range of backgrounds, including medical professionals, clinicians, emergency services workers and road safety researchers, with the aim of preventing motorcycle collisions and reducing casualties.
They offer advice on hazard awareness and riding skill, point riders towards advanced training, and teach Biker Down first aid techniques that can help save lives at the scene of a collision. Volunteers attend biker meets, ride-outs, cafes, dealerships and training events to have direct, one-to-one conversations with riders.
“We are proud to be supporting the work of Doc Bike by donating this former police fleet motorcycle,” said Chief Superintendent Marc Clothier when handing the bike over. “It ensures that the vehicle continues to have an operational and useful life beyond policing, and raises the profile of road safety for motorcyclists.
“Through national policing campaigns we continue to support initiatives to save lives on our roads, including for motorcyclists who are vulnerable road users.
“Doc Bike volunteers’ peer-led approach enables them to have important conversations with riders who we would not otherwise be able to engage with through existing police communications. We know that providing life-saving advice, training and riding skills will save lives of motorcyclists in Sussex.”
The handover was made by Clothier to DocBike regional manager John Allsopp.
Another reminder that whatever reason you ride a motorbike, you are a biker, and the community will rally round and help in wonderful and unexpected ways.
Ben Clarke began riding (legally) at 21-years-old when he passed his direct access one month before shipping his Yamaha XT660 R to Miami and embarking on a 13,500-mile tour of the USA and Central America. He's worked at MCN for the last six years, riding everything from super nakeds and superbikes to small-capacity electrics and scooters across several continents. In more recent years, he's worked closely with the bike kit team to bring you all the latest news and reviews about the bike-related products we all use every day.
Lover of V-twins and big singles, partial to a tour