South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (SYFR) is returning its free “BikerDown” programme at Dearne Fire Station, to help reduce road traffic collisions in the region.
In 2023, almost 200 motorcyclists were injured in collisions, according to SYFR, and half of those incidents were serious or fatal.
Starting on 30 April 2026, the course will offer riders of all ages and experience levels training in collision scene management, first aid, and riding safely.
Chris Tyler, Group Manager at SYFR, said: “If you were the first on the scene of a collision involving a biker, would you know what to do?
“By equipping motorcyclists with the skills and knowledge they need to ride safely, we hope it will help us to reach our shared long-term ambition of ending all death and serious injury on South Yorkshire’s roads.”
The session is inspired by a similar initiative run by Kent Fire and Rescue Service and is being delivered as part of the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership’s (SYSRP) Vision Zero work.
Fran Thompson, Chair of the independent charity Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists, said: “Some of the things that make riding a motorcycle enjoyable, such as the feeling of being less insulated from your surroundings than in a car, and the skill required to ride corners effectively, can also be the things that make them potentially more dangerous than a car.”
The group works closely with other charities, NHS dispatch rider services, and supports public events, in order to promote public awareness and training in advanced motor skills.
Mrs Thompson said: “Advanced training aims to develop riders from this basic standard, so that they are observing further ahead, thinking and planning their riding more effectively, and anticipating what other drivers and riders are doing, all aimed at reducing our exposure to risk.”
The BikerDown programme will take place on the last Thursday of each month, starting on 30 April.
The dates for the 2026 sessions are as follows:
30 April
28 May
25 June
30 July
27 August
24 September
Places are limited and can be secured by emailing bikerdown@syfire.gov.uk.