What is Motorcycle Roadcraft?
Motorcycle Roadcraft is a system of advanced riding used by police and other emergency services riders. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and advanced riding techniques, aiming to improve riders’ overall ability and reduce accident risks.
- Focus on Control:
Motorcycle Roadcraft teaches riders how to effectively control their motorcycles, including precise handling, braking, and acceleration techniques.
- Advanced Riding Techniques:
The program covers advanced maneuvers and strategies for navigating various road conditions and traffic scenarios.
- Safety First:
A core principle of Motorcycle Roadcraft is safety. The training aims to minimize risks by teaching riders how to anticipate hazards, react effectively, and maintain control in challenging situations.
- Evidence-Based Practice:
The program incorporates the latest research and evidence on riding safety and best practices, ensuring riders are equipped with the most up-to-date knowledge and techniques.
- Endorsement and Recognition:
Motorcycle Roadcraft is endorsed by numerous organizations, including the police, emergency services, and driving instructors, reflecting its effectiveness and credibility.
- Comprehensive Training:
The program includes both theoretical knowledge (as presented in the handbook) and practical riding training to provide a holistic approach to skill development.
- Beyond Police Riders:While primarily used by police, Motorcycle Roadcraft is also available to the public and can be beneficial for anyone seeking to enhance their motorcycle riding skills.
Key Topics Covered
- Understanding and Applying the Roadcraft System:
The system of motorcycle control and how to apply it in various situations.
- Human Factors and Confidence Management:
Recognizing how your state of mind and other human factors affect your riding and how to manage them.
- Advanced Techniques:
Advanced techniques like single and multi-stage overtakes, positioning, observation links, and limit points.
- Self-Assessment and Risk Awareness:
Self-assessment skills to improve riding abilities and become more aware of potential risks.
- Effective Decision-Making:
The Motorcycle Roadcraft system provides a framework for making sound decisions when encountering hazards.
- Safe and Efficient Riding:The system helps riders become safer and more skillful on the road by focusing on clear communication, positioning, and observation.
What is the RoSPA Advanced Rider Qualification?
The RoSPA advanced motorcycle certificate the highest level civilian motorcycle qualification available in Ireland. Awards are graded Bronze, Silver or Gold. The test lasts around 45 to 60 minutes, and the RoSPA examiner will be an advanced motorcycle instructor (many are retired Garda motorcycle instructors).
Why would I take the advanced motorcycle test?
Whilst a RoSPA qualification can earn you a discount on your insurance, advanced riders are more confident, smoother, safer, and less likely to be involved in a crash. This is important to riders who take their own safety and wellbeing seriously, as well as being concerned for the impact of their riding on other road users and the environment.
Do I have to take the test?
No. Some riders just want to be in a group that’s good craic, safe, and less pressured. Truth is, riders tend to behave like those around them, so by riding with an advanced group, you’ll naturally pick up skills and grow your confidence by observing and interacting with advanced riders on fun runs and group training runs – even if you never take the test.
Where do I start?
Step 1 – Contact us directly to arrange to join
If you’re based in/around Munster, Ireland, contact us about joining our volunteer group. The annual membership fee is €35.00, inclusive of advanced group training runs organised by the club, and RoSPA insurance.
Note: we’re based in Munster, Ireland. If you’re based in the North, midlands or east of the country, we may not be the club for you. There are other groups in Ireland and the UK. You can go to https://www.rospa.com/policy/road-safety/rospa-advanced-drivers-and-riders/join-a-group to find your nearest RoSPA affiliated group.
Step 2 – Group Training
As a new member, you can participate in group training rides, led by a highly trained, volunteer group tutor, usually once a month. Group tutors are highly skilled riders with a current RoSPA Gold certification, plus further certification to observe and provide feedback to other riders. Training runs are structured around the “system of motorcycle control” as used by police training schools around the world and all tutors are re-tested every three years to ensure a consistently high standard.
Step 3 – One to One Tutoring
When you’re ready to start preparing for your test, you can request to be assigned a group tutor for one to one training. Tutors are volunteers, so training may take place on evenings and weekends. Your tutor will agree suitable days/times and you may be paired with another test candidate. There is no charge for this, although members are expected to contribute to the tutor’s fuel expenses – this can be discussed beforehand with your tutor.
You will use your own motorcycle and the tutor will give you structured feedback throughout. You are free to take as many training sessions as you feel you need. Expect between six and nine months to prepare for and take your test. Everyone learns at their own pace, and training and guidance will continue for as long as you are a subscribing member of the Group.
Step 4 – Apply for your Test
Your tutor will advise you when they feel you are ready to apply for your test. You will apply directly to RoSPA using their online form https://www.rospa.com/shop/products/advanced-driving-riding-test
What does the RoSPA test involve?
RoSPA provide test guidelines that you can download before sitting your test.