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BikeSafeNC

Discussion in 'Hangout Lounge' started by Fuller56, Nov 9, 2019.

  1. Fuller56

    Fuller56 Well-Known Member

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    Yesterday I went to the BikeSafeNC class put on by the Wake Forest, NC Police Dept. A nice class that focused on, as the title says, Riding Safely. Some class time in the morning with tips that most of know but generally don't think about a lot. Then out to the bikes for about a 30 mile ride through some very nice roads with an Assessor riding behind and indicating turns via turn signals. A safe but brisk pace. Then back to Wake Forest for lunch, more class room time with videos and reminders of safe riding practices. Back out on the roads for a longer ride. Back to WFPD for individual discussions of what the Assessors saw in our riding. Nice class, nice folks and very helpful and great reminders of being smart while riding.
    These guys are Motor Officers and as dedicated to riding as anybody you are ever going to meet. A good class and good fun as well. It cost nothing to take and I have to recommend it. It might even count towards an insurance discount. Find it a BikeSafeNC.com. These classes are held all over NC, I think, well worth looking into.
    John
     
  2. mlew

    mlew Well-Known Member

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    I did the BikeSafeNC class in Apex last year, It was great and I would do it again.
     
  3. Timbox

    Timbox Well-Known Member

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    That is interesting, sounds like they see bad riding habits while trailing and then do some positive classroom suggestions to correct? Used to take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation class every couple of yrs to keep up to date.

    This BikeSafeNC is a really nice local idea for you NC folks. Nice to hear the local PD are offering that for riders.
     
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  4. kerriskandiesinc

    kerriskandiesinc Active Member

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    They do something very similar in the UK......been doing it since the 80's I believe, yes, over there it's an 'escorted' ride......Police riders in front and back, but you are allowed to 'make progress' as they put it, lots of great riding tips, mostly they use...or used to use the Roadcraft manual, with up to date modifications

    You haven't lived until you have followed a Bike copper...in the UK as he filters (splits) through the traffic, and beckons you to follow behind him.......I mean, I thought I was a decent filterer, being a bike courier, but the coppers I have followed have been.....faster AND safer, lol .......

    its unusual ( at least for me) to hear of a Police/Traffic unit doing a course like that over here

    Wish they did something like this in NY!!
     
  5. kerriskandiesinc

    kerriskandiesinc Active Member

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    Just checked, think this is ONLY available in NC??

    Do you have to be a NC resident/rider to do the course??

    It does say they modeled it on the UK BikeSafe program, which is nice to see......bet they STILL don't teach you how to 'filter' though !! :(
    :rolleyes:
     
  6. Fuller56

    Fuller56 Well-Known Member

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    The BikeSafe course was brought over from the one in the UK so is similar, I assume. This version of it is put on in NC, not sure of other courses or programs. No, the attendees do not have to residents of NC. I winter here but have NY plates on my bike and NY driver's license and no one cared. The on-line application does ask for a license number and they say they will check credentials and want proof of insurance but as there were only 2 of us Gray Beards in this class they did not check. I imagine if there were more and younger appearing folks the checks would be more. The instructors said the class was being updated and restructured for next year so will be a bit different. Also check Facebook as that is where I initially saw it, there might be more info for other states programs.
    John
     
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  7. Fuller56

    Fuller56 Well-Known Member

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    .bet they STILL don't teach you how to 'filter' though !

    Filtering and lane splitting was mentioned and discussed and the officer who was lead instructor thinks it could happen in NC. Me? I don't think so due to the mean, aggressive, selfish and hateful way North Carolinians drive in general. When folks look at you, acknowledge you are there and still go for a non-present space, then wave at you like "Ha, almost got you that time", lane splitting or filtering is not an option.
     
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  8. kerriskandiesinc

    kerriskandiesinc Active Member

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    True.....filtering or lane splitting as its known over here seems to be almost universally hated!

    Which is weird because studies abroad and even in CA have shown it can REDUCE travel times for ALL drivers...

    Mostly, in Europe...not so much the UK, drivers will actively 'move' over' and let you pass.....I've even had drivers in Italy..known for aggressiveness, and France move onto the grass verge to let me safely pass.....and don't get me started on German efficiency and 'lane control' compared to most other countries, not just the US!!

    L Island is a nightmare, as is the City, so I always filter, but drivers here are very aggressive....sometimes even if they (obviously?> stickers) ride bikes...

    I must say I don't get that aspect........even if I see 'squids' approaching I will always try to give them room, when I'm in the car...I can't go anywhere, I'm part of the traffic 'jam'....they are not!!

    I will say in the main the coppers SEEM to turn a blind eye, unless you are riding like a complete twat .....obviously, they can't chase , once you pass them, but could still radio ahead......I'm always careful and polite and signal my intentions if I 'happen' to filter past the Police/Sheriff....however I HAVE seen them close down the LI Expressway, to ticket a handful of riders......whilst causing massive tailbacks in the stopped traffic....congestion, pollution, seems VERY counter productive!!
     
  9. Franz

    Franz Well-Known Member

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    In the UK now the Fire Brigade run courses for motorcyclists called 'Biker Down' plenty of videos on YouTube if you want to have a look guys.
     
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