FireBike
FireBike is our motorcycle safety initiative, through which we engage with Essex motorcyclists on a range of road safety related subjects. This helps us to promote safer riding and reduce the number of motorcycling casualties in Essex.
Our key FireBike messages are:
• Become a better rider
• Train as if your life depends on it
• Protect yourself and your pillion
• Learn to share the road
We achieve this by delivering advanced training to the county's motorcyclists, to improve confidence and riding skill, making Essex riders safer on the road.
Helping to reduce accidents on our roads
Advanced rider training is something every rider should consider and is encouraged by the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. FireBike provides advanced training opportunities free of charge to riders across Essex in the form of our Better Biking and Advanced Machine skills courses.
These courses are delivered by our FireBike riders. Who are qualified to the RoSPA Gold Standard and hold a Level 3 Award in RoADAR Advanced Rider Coaching, which is the highest riding award available to the public.
Better Biking Course
This is a one day course, providing riding advice and guidance, in the form of assessed ride feedback to improve existing road riding skills.
An initial class room session is followed by an assessed ride where the FireBike Team will provide practical advice and guidance on your riding. Aspects such as observation, hazard perception, road positioning, gear selection and over taking are the key focus areas.
The training is completely FREE!
At the end of the training you will receive a certificate of attendance, a 'goodie bag' and written concise feedback shortly following the course. We aim to improve your riding and make you safer on the road.
To book onto the course, you must have an A2 or A1 licence.
Advanced Machine Skills Course
A one day course focusing on machine control. Covering slow speed handling, positive steering, throttle control, emergency avoidance and breaking techniques.
Each skill element is covered in-depth by our experienced instructors. Participants will have plenty of opportunity to practice the skills being taught throughout the day.
The training is completely FREE!
To book onto the course, you must have an A2 or A1 licence.
FireBike First Aid Courses
The courses provide essential first aid training, specifically for you as a biker, which will give you knowledge and confidence to help should you come across a motorcycle accident.
The reason for offering the courses is that those first on scene at a motorbike accident are likely to be the other bikers the casualty was riding with at the time, or other bikers who happen to be riding on the same route. Riders with basic but important emergency first aid knowledge could make a life-saving difference to a fallen biker.
The courses are free of charge and last about 3 hours. You do not need to bring your bike to these courses. The dates and times of the remaining courses this year are:
Please book on using the course referral form below.
Become a safer rider
The Essex FireBike Team is in partnership with Sycamore BMW Witham, who support the team with motorcycles and maintenance.
Road Traffic Collision and Motorcycle Casualty Reduction Manager Andy Stroulger, said: "We are delighted with Sycamore BMW's support. It is a partnership we value and enables us to make a difference to motorcycle safety in Essex.
"I am grateful to my colleagues on the FireBike team for their passion and commitment to helping make motorcyclists safer."
How to book onto a course
To book onto the courses please fill out the referral form: FireBike Course Referral
Once this is complete, we will get in touch with further course details and available dates.
Meet some of the team!
Meet some of our FireBike team! The FireBike team is made up of 9 qualified advanced riding instructors who deliver advanced training to the county's motorcyclists. Improving confidence and riding skill, making Essex riders safer on the road.
Check your motorbike is ready for the road with the POWDERS checks
Ben Stapleton, FireBike Rider explains the simple POWDERS checks you can do to make sure your motorbike is ready for the road.
Petrol
Oil
Water
Damage and drive
Electrics
Rubbers
Steering and suspension
2023 roundup
Here are some highlights from the year of how the team have worked to reduce motorcycle accidents.
The team would like to thank all the instructors and staff, supporting partners and participating motorcyclists for a fantastic season.