In October 2025, the UK’s leading police-led motorcycle safety initiative, BikeSafe, celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter of a century dedicated to reducing collisions and improving rider skills nationwide.

Since launching in 2000, BikeSafe has played a significant role in rider education, providing practical workshops aimed at improving road awareness, hazard perception and on-bike decision-making. The programme has supported thousands of riders during its 25-year history and remains an essential part of the UK’s rider safety framework.

A National Partnership Built on Safety

BikeSafe is delivered by trained police motorcyclists across over 30 police forces in the UK and is supported by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). The initiative was developed in response to concern over motorcyclist casualty rates and has since grown into one of the most respected renown rider development schemes in the country.

Workshops are delivered locally, allowing riders to benefit from training that reflects regional riding conditions and risk patterns, while maintaining consistent national standards.

What Does a BikeSafe Workshop Include?

Each BikeSafe workshop provides riders with both theoretical knowledge and practical coaching through a structured day that includes:

Pre-course online learning

A classroom-based theory session

An observed on-road ride with a police motorcyclist or accredited observer

A personalised debrief with feedback and recommendations for further development

Rather than concentrating on speed, BikeSafe focuses on core riding skills including hazard awareness, road positioning, planning and braking — all key elements in reducing risk on the road.

Booking Information

Typical cost: £65–£75 per rider (varies by region)

Courses run throughout the year

Places are limited and early booking is advised

Courses can be booked via www.bikesafe.co.uk

Supporting Progression: The BMF Blue Riband Advanced Rider Course

For riders inspired by BikeSafe and wishing to develop further, the British Motorcyclists Federation offers the Blue Riband Advanced Rider Course as a structured progression route into advanced riding.

The course is delivered nationwide through BMF-approved providers and is based upon the Motorcycle Roadcraft system, the same principles used by police and emergency services across the UK.

Blue Riband Award Overview

Course length: 1.5 – 2 days

Includes classroom learning, observed riding and assessment

Cost: approximately £250 (provider dependent)

Training delivered by professional instructors

Nationally recognised qualification

The award is supported by BikeSafe and formally recognised by the Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes (NABB) as an approved qualification for riders wishing to volunteer with Blood Bike groups.

Why Take the Blue Riband Award?

Riders completing the Blue Riband Award benefit from:

• Improved planning and hazard management
• Greater riding confidence in all conditions
• Enhanced road positioning and decision-making
• A nationally respected advanced riding certificate
• A proven pathway towards Blood Bike volunteering
• A Coordinated Approach to Safer Riding

As BikeSafe marks its 25th anniversary, the BMF is proud to support a training pathway that encourages riders to continue their development beyond basic skills.

BikeSafe provides an excellent foundation in police-led rider awareness and techniques. The BMF Blue Riband Advanced Rider Course builds upon that foundation through in-depth advanced coaching and assessment.

Together, these initiatives represent a clear pathway to safer, more confident and more enjoyable motorcycling.

Further Information

BikeSafe course booking and details: via their website here

Blue Riband Advanced Rider Award: vis our website here 

References

Motorcycle News — BikeSafe celebrates 25 years

BikeSafe Official Website — 25th anniversary feature

UK Road Offender Education — BikeSafe Workshops overview

Road Safety GB — BikeSafe funding and evaluation update

British Motorcyclists Federation — Blue Riband Advanced Rider Award

Written by MJ

Top image courtesy of BikeSafe