17.08.10 Biking enthusiasts in Gloucestershire and surrounding areas can now share news and views, swap photographs and event information via our Facebook page.
Called Glos Thinkbike, the site is proving to be popular with motorcyclists and moped riders of all ages. If you have a Facebook account, why not log on and become our friend.
29.07.10 Hempsted Motorcycle Festival returns to Hempsted Meadows, Gloucester on 14th and 15th August, and promises to be even bigger and better this year.
Open between 10am and 5pm, it promises to be fun for all the family and family discounts are available on the door. There will be stunt trials displays, quad bike demos and the chance to meet the TAG Triumph Race team – there’s nowhere better for big thrills on two wheels.
The Road Safety Partnership will be there so why not come along and chat to us about training opportunities and circuit based rider improvement days. We’ll also be giving away our THINK BIKE car stickers and bike pucks.
We’ll even be offering free of charge accompanied ride outs on the day with Police or advance riders (depending on availability), so we do hope to see you there.
Garry Handley OBE
16.06.10 Gloucestershire’s longest serving road safety officer, has been awarded the OBE for services to local government.
Garry Handley has worked for the County Council for 27 years, and currently manages a range of services aimed at reducing the number of collisions involving drivers, such as the Driver Improvement Scheme, Drink Drive Rehabilitation, Speed Awareness, and many others.
Career highlights have included developing SAGE (Safer Driving with Age Scheme) which has been adopted by many other local authorities around the country; lecturing at the World Driver Training Conference, facilitating a multi-national army road safety scheme in Pristina City, Kosovo which won an International Road Safety Award, and being highly commended by HRH Prince Michael of Kent for his outstanding contribution to road safety.
Garry said, “When I came to Gloucestershire in 1983, 1,324 people were killed or seriously injured on our roads, and last year that figure was 236. That’s over 1,000 people less being killed or seriously injured each year. Being a small part of this incredible reduction in the number of people being hurt on our roads is an ample reward in itself.
“When I was told that her Majesty the Queen was to approve my appointment as an Officer of the British Empire I was totally speechless and it was absolutely out of the blue. It honestly took my breath away. It is a huge honour for me to have my work recognised in this way and I will graciously accept it with humility and pride”.
Pete Bungard, Chief Executive of Gloucestershire County Council said, “I can’t think of a single individual who has made a greater impact on the safety of our roads than Garry. This business is so much about changing the behaviour of people and Garry’s style and passion is capable of engaging almost any individual, very quickly, and with a lasting impression.”
