02.03.10  Gloucestershire’s new Motorcycle Coordinator is certainly well qualified to advise the county’s motorbike users on safety issues. Chris Harrison will be talking to riders of all kinds, from 50cc moped riders through to older leisure bikers about motorcycle training courses, using protective clothing and  riding safely.

Chris, said; “I had my first bike, a Vespa, when I was 16 and a 125cc at 17 but ended up crashing both of them!  I then got my HGV licence and drove a truck for many years.  As is typical of many men my age, I bought a sports bike and, even though I was an experienced rider, I decided to get a riding qualification.  This led onto me applying for the motorcycle coordinator role.

“One of the target groups I’ll be working with are older riders, who perhaps haven’t ridden a motorbike since their youth.  They are at higher risk of accidents because  motorbikes now are much more powerful and the roads are busier. 

“But I will also be targeting young and inexperienced riders and will be going into schools and colleges to talk to young people about the dangers of riding illegally or in an anti-social way and the benefits of safety training.”Chris will become a familiar face at bike shows and festivals throughout the county and is available to give talks to groups about motorcycle and moped safety. To book a talk, please contact Chris on 01452 427585.