Council puts motorcycle riders on road to safety

Local motorcyclists have an opportunity to improve their skill levels in a series of training sessions to be funded by Horizons Regional Council.

Glenda Leitao, the council's Roadsafe co-ordinator for the Wanganui and Rangitikei districts, said the offers were available for those new to motorcycling through to experienced riders.

The first offer was available to 20 Wanganui residents to undertake Prorider training sessions at Manfeild Park.

These courses are run by Karel Pavich and the ProRider team at the motor racing circuit.

The first is a SafeRider bike control skills course on February 18 and the second is the or the SmartRider hazard avoidance skills course being held on February 19.

"You'll have a fun day, learning and practising new skills in the safety of the Manfeild, to start making great riding techniques a habit," Ms Leitao said.

Wanganui residents should contact Prorider and book online at www.prorider.co.nz.

"Basically, we're able to subsidise up to 20 people to go on one of Karel's training courses. We don't care if you are new to motorcycling, experienced or returning to motorcycling .

"The only stipulation is that you're a current resident of Wanganui, that you have a road-safe motorcycle, hold a current motorcycle licence, and attend one of the road riding skills courses not the off-road courses."

Ms Leitao said the subsidy amounted to $100 per person. That would bring the cost down to $149 for the full day's training.

The other offer from Horizons is for any new motorcycle or motor scooter riders.

"We're providing two free, one-on-one lessons with Jack Kennedy [NZTA qualified instructor] from DriveSafe Driving School," she said.

"These vouchers are available at all the Wanganui motorcycle dealers, for anyone buying a 250cc or less motorcycle or motor scooter in the next few months."