Following a horribly significant number of motorcycle fatalities on Logan roads in the past year, Jimboomba Police Station has launched the How to keep it up-right skill-enhancing program.
This year alone, there has been an increase in fatalities in the South-Eastern Region. Queensland’s 291 road deaths in the first 11 months of this year were the most in the country and the state’s highest total in at least five years despite lockdowns reducing the time spent in cars or on motorcycles. New South Wales was next with 266, followed by Victoria at 230.
Since its launch on September 7, 155 riders have successfully attended the one-day course on a Saturday or Sunday at Jimboomba State School.
Senior Sergeant Peter Waugh, the Officer in Charge of Jimboomba Police Station says, “we want riders using our roads to know that a safer ride starts with them”.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, but a safer rider starts with you, so do what you can to best equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure a safe ride.”
The course is open to anyone with a valid motorcycle licence who rides on roads in the Logan and Scenic Rim areas. Participants need to bring their own motorcycle on the day, as well as appropriate riding gear and their licence.
The skill-enhancing course is designed to help make rides safer and more enjoyable. The course is for riders of all skill levels – those new to riding or those returning to the bike after years away, will learn to feel confident, comfortable and safe for their next ride.
Why is there a fee?
This initiative is supported by funding from the Queensland Government’s Community Road Safety Grants scheme, the $50 registration fee covers the remaining cost and secures a participants place on the course days.
What does the course day involve?
- Practical advice and practicing of cornering, braking and roadcraft including improving control over your motorcycle
- Understanding how your brain and vision work together to improve riding
- Why other road users don’t see you and what you can do about it
- How to recognise “uh oh” moments and how to prevent them
- Learn how you can maximise your riding enjoyment while minimising your risks
- Hear from QPS officers with real experience as well as learn life-saving first aid from a QAS paramedic
Course participants will also receive:
- 1 year membership to our SMART Rider Academy with access to our new online content as it’s released
- Monthly online “tune-up” session with coaches
- Access to exclusive deals for riding gear from program partners
- A tailored first aid kit to accompany the skills provided by QAS specific to the most common injuries suffered by motorcycle riders.
