Dorset saw one of its biggest ever motorcycle ride-outs on 25th September, when the DocBike charity staged its annual fundraiser. Over 400 bikers from across the UK took part, either riding the 35-mile route from West Bay on the county’s famed Jurassic coast, or the Churchill Arms in East Dorset, meeting up at Henstridge Airfield on the Dorset/Somerset border. Over £8000 was raised for the charity.

DocBike was set up by Dorset-based medical staff who are also motorcyclists, to support both the Air Ambulance and educate riders – DocBike’s Biker Down course, which covers first aid, what to do at an accident scene and advanced riding, has been replicated in many areas across the country.

Dr Ian Mew, Co-Founder of DocBike, said: “Whilst this event helps to raise much-needed funds for the charity, the support for what we do from the motorcycling community and beyond means so much more. Motorcyclists are statistically the most vulnerable road users, being 56 times more likely to be killed per mile travelled than when in a car. The work of the charity to reduce motorcycle collisions whilst being able to provide life-saving critical care to anyone who needs it (not just motorcyclists) is a cornerstone of our work.”

The BMF strongly supports initiatives such as DocBike, as Chair Jim Freeman emphasised: “A fantastic charity event. The BMF have always supported Biker Down, if any similar events want BMF listing or publicity, contact us.” he said.

Written by Peter Henshaw

Top image and in article images all courtesy of Will Badman Photography