Category Archives: Changes

Changes and Updates to the website, blog, test requirements, and other news

Advanced Training, Advice, Cardiff, Changes, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News, RoSPA

Ride Out…Ride Right

Leave a comment

Further to my News Post dated the 16th of May about assessed and observed rides offered by South Wales Fire & Rescue Service, 1st Class Rider Training can now give more detailed information about this new Motorcycle Safety Scheme.

The Fire Service literature details how the scheme will operate. It explains ;..

“”” South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has now launched ‘Ride Out…Ride Right’ to help keep motorcyclists safe on the roads.  If you are interested in taking part in our free observation rides then please read on,

You will be met by one of our three team riders at a pre-arranged meeting point.

You will ride to a fire station at either Abergavenny, Usk, Merthyr or Maesteg where you will be given a short presentation over a beverage.

The presentation includes Observation, Hazards and the Principles of Cornering.

Following the presentation you will then go out for an observation ride which will last for approximately an hour.

At the end of the ride you will be asked for your feedback and thoughts on the ride.

What we would like you to get out of this is to consider further training through recognised bodies, i.e. Bikesafe, RoSPA, IAM, MAG etc but most of all we want you to enjoy your riding and stay safe on our roads.

All you have to do is reply to us at RORR@southwales-fire.gov.uk confirming when you would be available, morning, afternoon, weekdays or weekends with a contact number and we will arrange your ride. “””

I have met the Fire Service Riders and their enthusiasm is unquestionable and they are keen to make this new scheme a success.

At 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff we support any initiative that is intended to make riders safer, and to reduce casualties amongst all road users, but particularly motorcyclists and we wish them well.

We are happy to support the scheme.

Advice, Cardiff, CBT, Changes, Direct Access, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles

Motorcycle Training in Newport

5 Comments

Don’t be misled by our full Business Name.  1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff. We still carry out Motorcycle Training in Newport and Swansea.

Whilst our office and approved CBT site is based in Cardiff we carry out much of our training for Direct Access Courses in Newport and Swansea.

With Module 1 of the new test taking place at the Multi Purpose Test Centres in Swansea or Newport much of our time is spent in these areas.,  I must still stress that we don’t simply rehearse the test route like some other training schools but we spend this time teaching you to ride in a variety of road conditions often well away from the test routes.

Also some other training schools have re-located their main training base into these areas but this requires you to travel and to make your own way often a considerable distance to the training base, but with us we include the journey to the testing areas as part of your training.  Our bikes are kept in Cardiff so the journey to the test centres is done with you in control and in the saddle.

So you spend more time in the saddle, and clock up more miles as we use the travelling to enhance the teaching experience.

So if you want 1st Class Rider Training in Newport give us a call.

If you want 1st Class Rider Training in Swansea give us a call.

If you want 1st Class Rider Training anywhere in between !  Give us a call.

It matters not where you live, you can still become a 1st Class Rider today.

Advice, Cardiff, Changes, Direct Access, Events, Motorcycle Training, News

Motorcycle Training- Cardiff & Newport

Leave a comment

It’s business as usual for us. Make a note of our new number.

0845 108 2906.

If you are looking for 1st Class Rider Training in the Newport or Cardiff area then this is the new number you need.

In recent weeks there have been a number of training schools which have closed and a number who are down sizing resulting in some Instructors being laid off.

This is not the case for us. Here at 1st Class Rider Training we have seen an up-turn in our client numbers. Clients who are seeking the best Motorcycle Training in Cardiff & Newport areas.

Offering Motorcycle Training in Cardiff, Newport, Swansea and throughout the South Wales area we have recently taken on two additional Instructors and opened up a second booking line to cope with the demand.

To maintain and improve our levels of service you now have the choice of two Direct Booking Line Numbers.

If the lines are busy please leave a message or call back.

Direct Booking Lines:
0845 467 0165. 0845 108 2906.

Or to speak to me personally please call my mobile number: 07545 567 273.

We will do our best to fit you in.

Advice, Changes, Direct Access, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Review of the New 2 Part Motorcycle Test

1 Comment

Below is an extract of an item found on the Department of Transport website, dated 8th of June. You can have your say via email using the consultation email address below. Tell them what you think. Good or Bad. If we have the chance to make a difference and to make Motorcycle Training and Testing safer then let’s speak up!

Here is the item:
A review of the motorcycle testing and training regime was today announced by Road Safety Minister Mike Penning.

The two-part motorcycle test was introduced in April 2009 to meet the requirements of the second EU Directive on driving licences.

The Minister ordered the review after listening to concerns from motorcycle groups and visiting a test centre to look at the testing procedure in more detail. Ways to improve training will also be considered.

Mike Penning said:

“Road safety is a top priority and the testing and training on offer is vital in our work to cut the disproportionately high numbers of motorcyclists killed and injured on our roads each year.

“It is clear there are concerns among the motorcycling community about the safety of the new test’s off-road module. There have also been complaints about the difficulty for riders in some areas of accessing the off-road test centres.

“That is why I am today asking riders, safety groups and motorcycle industry representatives to come forward with their ideas for how testing and training can be improved to ensure we produce safe, confident and responsible riders.”

The new test was introduced in order to meet the requirements of the second EU Directive on driving licences. While most elements in the off-road module 1 test are required by the Directive, there may be scope to make some changes to the way in which the test is carried out.

The DfT review will look at the manoeuvres carried out in both modules 1 (off-road) and 2 (on-road) and whether these manoeuvres could safely be conducted in the on-road test.

The review will also look at other related motorcycle testing and training issues, including the options for training and testing for progressive access under the third driving licence directive and how any changes relate to wider proposals to improve motorcycle training and testing.

Views are welcome from motorcycle riders, trainers, road safety groups, the wider public and others on what aspects of the motorcycle test should be looked at, including how and where they think motorcycle testing might best and most safely be carried out.

The precise scope and terms of reference of the review will be determined following discussions with motorcycle groups and other interested parties, with the aim of concluding the review by the autumn.

Views should be submitted to the Department for Transport by 31 July.

Notes to Editors:

Views can be sent to the DfT by email on: RUSD4consultation@dft.gsi.gov.uk
The current motorcycle test was introduced in April 2009 and is taken in two parts.

Module 1 contains the specified manoeuvres element of the test including exercises designed to assess the rider’s ability to control their machine safely, including avoidance and emergency stop exercises.

Module 2 includes an eyesight test and at least 30 minutes of on road riding.

Press Enquires: 020 7944 3066
Out of Hours: 020 7944 4292
Public Enquiries: 0300 330 3000
Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk

Changes, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

New Driving Test Centre opens in Merthyr

Leave a comment

The new Merthyr Driving Test Centre opened it’s doors to students for the first time today and we are pleased to anounce that the very first Module 2 Motorcycle Test Candidate was a 1st Class Rider.

Alexis was put through the pre- test pressure of a photocall before setting out on the new Merthyr test routes, showing the examiner how a 1st Class Rider does it, passing with flying colours. Our congratulations to her.

Never having ridden in Merthyr prior to her test she showed that our philosophy of teaching our students to ride and not simply rehearsing test routes is sound and effective. She rode safely and confidently and gained a good pass earning her right to take to the road as a breed of road user who knows how to get the best from today’s busy roads.

The new Merthyr test centre has re-located from the Town centre and is now to be found on the industrial estate at Troedyrhiw. With improved facilities and easier parking this is a good move for the DSA.

Congratulations Alexis.

Advanced Training, Advice, Changes, Motorcycle Training, News

The Hundred (mph) House Inn Closed

2 Comments

The Hundred (mph) House Inn, used many times by 1st Class Rider Training on ride outs and Advanced Training has closed!

This quirky Country Pub in the village of Bleddfa, Mid Wales was owned by Racing and Bikes enthusiasts and served some of the best Steaks around.

Always with a warm welcome for bikers and offering free overnight camping this was a must see place.

A country pub on the outside but inside jammed full of Motorcycle, Ferrari and racing memorabilia.  The chimney breast in the dining room even had half a car emerging through the wall!.

A visit there today, whilst Advanced Training, sadly we found it closed, boarded up and For Sale.

We’ll ‘watch this space’ to see if it re-opens, especially to see if the ‘Bikers Welcome’ still exists.

A sad loss in the eating directory of 1st Class Rider Training!

Advice, Changes, Motorcycles, News, Police Class 1

New PM Drops Motorcycle Escort Riders

Leave a comment

It has been reported today that the New Prime Minister, David Cameron, has dispensed with his Police Motorcycle Escort Out- Riders.  Claiming that they are an “unnecessary extravagance”

However this has sparked security fears.

The PM was warned that he was putting himself at increased risk of attack if he gets stuck in traffic.

This move was not officially announced but sources say that it was an ‘ostentation’ to be sped through the traffic by Police Escort.

Ex- PM Gordon Brown had been escorted by up to six motorcycle escort out-riders, whose job it was to stop traffic and clear a path for the following convoy of cars. The golden rule was to keep moving.

Mr Cameron’s decision was questioned by security experts after his blue, bullet-proof Jaguar was photographed stuck in traffic on Whitehall.

Dai Davies, a former head of Royalty Protection at Scotland Yard said, ‘The first rule is to keep moving. When you stop you get hit. I am worried and I would urge Mr Cameron to re-consider’, he said.

Having been involved in the planning and running of many VIP Escorts over the years myself, I agree that the PM may be subjecting himself to increased risk.

The purpose od the Motorcycle Escort team was to move the VIP, safely and to ensure the minimum disruption to other traffic along the route.  This resulted in the VIP being kept moving and the free flow of traffic being restored with only minor hold ups to the general public.  VIP Safety was paramount and it is essential that they do not become a ‘sitting target’

Mr Cameron, this is one decision which you may need to re-think. You run the Country and let the experts run you.

Advice, Cardiff, Changes, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Motorcycle Action Group (MAG)

Leave a comment

The Motorcycle Action Group, or MAG as it is known is a volunteer lead riders’ rights organisation with a local and regional branch structure, that has been building in strength and diversity since it began in 1973.

MAG is the representative voice of riders in local and national government and passionately defends all that is good about motorcycling.

MAG campaigns to protect and promote motorcycling and the interests and rights of all riders, from learner to advanced.

MAG celebrates biking and the freedoms and independence it provides, through it’s support of parties, rallies, sport and competition, touring and travel, and through the camaraderie all riders share.

MAG works directly with politicians and civil servants but still employs other forms of direct action if necessary to ensure the rider’s voice is heard.

Current Campaigns

Current Campaigns include;

AGAINST;  Latest EU proposals to prevent owners modifying their bikes.

AGAINST; Over complicated and expensive Learner laws.

FOR; Non slip manhole covers and proper road maintenance.

FOR; Access to bus lanes and free, secure parking.

Past Successes

Won; An exemption from congestion charging and most bridge tolls.

Defeated; EU proposals for a 100bhp limit on bikes.

Changed; Proposals for continuous taxation and insurance of bikes not in use.

Moving Forward

With MAGS position on working groups within the DSA DfT, and DVLA MAG continues to ensure that the voice of the rider is heard at the centre of democratic government.

They support the RAV campaign (Riders Are Voters) in the pre-election run up.

Benefits of membership include;

A representative voice in local and national government.

The Road. An 84 page colour bi-monthly magazine mailed directly to members.

Bikesure,  low cost motorcycle insurance from Adrian Flux,

Legal Helpline, free 24/7 advice on any legal problem provided by access legal.

These are just some of the member benefits.  visit the MAG web site for full details.

So why not join today?  Annual individual membership is just £25.  Application forms are avaialble for me at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff.  Give us a call.

I am a member and 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff are about to become Corporate Members and we will be able to offer discounts to other MAG members on our training and tours.

Watch this space for details and we will keep you posted.

Cardiff, Changes, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Meeting with Phillip Hammond MP

Leave a comment

As a member of The Federation of Small Businesses I was invited to a small group meeting with Phillip Hammond MP,  The Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury,(Monday the 19th April),  to discuss pre-election issues relating to boosting the economy, and issues relating to business.

The meeting was hosted by Jonathan Evans, the Conservative Party Candidate for Cardiff North, and included representatives from a broad spectrum of businesses.

Some of the sectors represented were, Post Office, Accountancy, Estate Agents, Electrical Retail, Flood Damage Restoration,  and I was there representing my business, 1st Class Rider Training.

A number of matters were discussed but I was given the opportunity to put to Phillip Hammond the issue of the current state of the motorcycle industry, being hit by the introduction of the new test, the closure of local bike testing stations, the disparity between how the test is delivered in the rest of Europe compared to how the DSA implemented it in the UK.  Also the fall in test numbers since it’s introduction were raised and the knock on effect that this would have on the motorcycle training, sales and accessories market.

To be honest, he didn’t really have an answer! Which I guess is understandable.  He was vaguely aware of the problem, as his own constituents had raised the issue of the closure of their local test centre, but when I related to him the experience of the Aberystwyth Motorcycle Training School faced with a 200 mile round trip for a ten minute Module 1 test he was shocked to hear of such a situation.

Whilst I don’t think the meeting would achieve any immediate change, it certainly served to get the issue raised at higher levels.

When issues like this are raised in conjunction with the MAG (Motorcycle Action Group) campaign of RAV – Riders Are Voters, it must have a positive effect.

Couple all this with the changes to the Driving Licence Groups for bikes coming in with the 3rd EU Directive, the Motorcycle Industry is under threat, and this would have far wider reaching implications to the economy, congestion, and pollution than many Politicians have yet considered.

It’s time they listened.

Advice, Changes, News

Bikes now Tax-Deductable

Leave a comment

In a recent, little known change in the Finance Act Motorcycles were included in your Tax-Deductable expenses.

For Self Employed riders buying a bike’ solely for business use’ can deduct the full amount of its cost from their tax profits. This is done by claiming it as an annual investment on their tax return.

John Shaw of the Bentleys firm of Chartered Accountants told ‘Motorcycle Trader, ‘Motorcycles are no longer treated for tax purposes like cars, but as plant and equipment.  This has a significant affect on the amount of tax relief you can claim when you buy a motorcycle for use in your business.  whatever the CO2 emission, 100% of the cost is potentially available as a tax write-off in the year of purchase’.

Good news indeed and can surely encourage more people to use motorcycles for work. With fuel costs rising, bikes are cheaper to run, often cheaper to insure and definitely cheaper to tax.  So this potential tax ‘handout’ has got to be good for the industry.