News
Driver Standards Agency trainers register for motorcyclists is launched
22 Feb 2007
At the DSA launch event (l to r) Nick Stephenson from Motorcycle Industry Association, Trevor Wedge, DSA chief examiner, Steve Parrish, BBC motorcycling commentator, Equity Red Star's Jeffrey Roberts and Karen Cooke, MCIA road safety specialist gather at Ace Café, the famous biker's rendezvous on London's North Circular Road.
A new Driving Standards Agency (DSA) register for post-test motorcycle trainers may improve the motorbike insurance discounts available to them. It will help ensure that proficient motorcycle training is of an agreed standard throughout the country.
Bikers will be able to search the new DSA register from the Summer 2007 to find approved trainers in their local area who provide post-test training.
Equity Red Star, also part of the Equity Insurance Group, along with insure, were involved in the early stages of setting up the register scheme. As well as improving riding skills, and highlighting riding risks, it will encourage safer biking behaviour which is hoped will reduced the number of accidents involving motorbikes.
Andrew Hill, Equity Red Star's head of motorcycle underwriting said: "One in five road deaths involve a motorcyclist, an unacceptable situation the government is determined to address. The DSA register will support the government's motorcycle strategy which calls for a 40 percent reduction in casualties by 2010."
Dr Stephen Ladyman, Minister for Transport added: "As someone who enjoys motorcycling, I am all too aware of the risks the roads can pose. Bikes get faster and more complex and the roads get busier - which can prove a dangerous cocktail for distracted or rusty riders. Most of us could benefit from being much more aware when out on our bikes, and the new register will help motorcyclists who want to do just that."
DSA chief examiner, Trevor Wedge said: "Motorcycle instructors who join the register will be making a valuable contribution to road safety. They will be able to demonstrate they meet agreed national minimum standards and help raise the professionalism of the industry."
