BIKERS are being encouraged to take part in a new scheme to help them improve their riding skills and stay safe on the roads.

Motorcyclists from across North Wales are being asked to sign up for a free workshop called 'BikeSafe,' a police-led motorcycle project.

The initiative offers practical advice about road safety, educates riders by passing on knowledge and skills and will try to encourage motorcyclists to go on to take the post-test Advanced Training.

The BikeSafe day includes an ‘assessment ride’ where participants receive vital feedback. Supported by the six local authorities, the workshops are held at various locations including Llangefni, Deeside, Rhyl, St Asaph, Colwyn Bay, Llanrwst and Porthmadog.

This year, for the first time, workshops will be delivered to the general public on Anglesey thanks to the assistance of the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The first of the 2018 workshops will be held at Llangefni Fire Station, on March 10. Bookings are now being taken. Others will be held there in July and September.

North Wales Police BikeSafe Co-ordinator Paul Cheshire said: “Centrally placed on the island this new location will open up the possibility for new routes to carry out the assessments.

“Anglesey is not necessarily known for many motorcycle collisions but they do happen and the island has a very up to date track circuit at Ty Croes that provides many biker events throughout the year.

“The workshops are not exclusive to residents and this new location will also allow employees who don’t necessarily reside for long in the area, such as RAF Valley, to take advantage.

He added: “During 2017 a total of 224 people attended a BikeSafe workshop across the region. The feedback we get is extremely positive – they like the informal element of the classroom-based workshop and enjoy meeting a mixture of people. Some of our previous students have even returned to become BikeSafe volunteers.”

With the main aim of reducing the number of bikers being hurt on the roads, the workshops explore the main riding hazards that motorcyclists face. By delivering theory presentations and observed rides a BikeSafe workshop helps bikers discover their strengths and weaknesses.

Paul Cheshire added: “Motorcycles are a vulnerable class of vehicle. They don’t offer the same protection that a car can offer, but that doesn’t mean to say you can’t stay safe.

"As spring is just around the corner why not enrol on one of our workshops so you have the skills for the rest of the biking season and beyond.”

Spaces on the BikeSafe workshops are limited so riders are urged to book quickly to avoid missing out. A full list of the dates and locations can be found at www.bikesafe.co.uk