Frequently Asked Questions

Garda BikeSafe - frequently asked questions

• What documents must I bring?

  Garda BikeSafe workshop participants are advised to bring with them their driving licence, certificate of insurance and if applicable – their MOT test certificate.

• Do I need to sign an indemnity?

  Participants will be asked to sign an indemnity, which includes a declaration of your legal entitlement to ride, that your bike is safe and conforms to the required mechanical standards and that you are medically fit to ride.

• What protective clothing must I wear?

  You have a duty of care to yourself whilst riding and some legal obligations. Please ensure that your clothing conforms to the required standards where required (e.g. helmet). Whilst legal requirements are minimal, we highly recommend that you wear full protective motorcycle clothing i.e. helmet, gloves, boots, jacket and trousers, as per our terms and conditions, Garda BikeSafe staff can refuse to take a rider on the observed ride if they deem their protective clothing to be unsafe.

• What checks must I carry out on my motorcycle?

  Riders must have conducted their own motorcycle safety checks before their Garda BikeSafe workshop. Petrol, Oil, Water, Damage, Electrics and Rubber (mnemonic POWDER) can help with remembering these checks.

• What will I learn during the theory session?

  The theory element of the workshop introduces the system of motorcycle control, hazard perception, cornering, junctions, overtaking, filtering and group riding. These are just some of the core elements of the theory session. The theory aspects take place in the class room and are designed to be interactive. As with most things, the more you put in the more you will get out of the session.

• What steps can I take to prepare for BikeSafe?

  Prior to your Garda BikeSafe workshop, we ask that you watch a series of videos (produced by our UK BikeSafe colleagues). 

  We also highly recommend that you read the Rules of the Road. We also recommend that you purchase a copy of Roadcraft (The Police Riders Handbook) and spend some time studying it.

  Ensure your pre-ride checks are complete and you have sufficient fuel in your tank for the observed ride. Come with protective clothing, suitable attire for inclement weather and an open mind. Ensure you are fit to ride and plan your route to the venue in advance to prevent any last minute rushing or getting lost. Some workshops include lunch, others do not – so bringing some money or a packed lunch is a good idea. Sometimes you will be given items to take home with you. Ensure you have somewhere safe to stow these for your return journey. If you need glasses for riding, please ensure you have them with you. An eyesight test will be conducted before the on road session.

• What can I do to maximise the benefits of BikeSafe?

  Having an open mind, being involved with the workshop theory element and asking the questions you need to ensure your understanding will help maximise theory uptake. Try to relax whilst riding, as sometimes being observed by a police rider (despite knowing this in advance) can make people worry!

• What follow-up actions can I take after BikeSafe?

  You can think of Garda BikeSafe as an opportunity for signposting to the next stage of your journey on two wheels. There is always something else to learn and we would always encourage riders to carry on their riding education by going on to do some structured, approved post-test training.

• What does BikeSafe cost?

  Regardless of venue, Garda BikeSafe workshops are priced at €75 per rider. To encourage as many Irish motorcyclists as possible to attend, An Garda Sióchána provides a subsidy of €30 per rider, bringing the cost to just €45 per workshop space.

• How fast do we ride on the observed ride outs?

  Safety is paramount. While all workshop participants must ‘ride their own ride’, speed limits must be observed and obeyed in line with the  .

• How will I know the route for the observed ride?

  Before heading out for the observed ride, a route plan will have been prepared. This will be shared with you and explained. It may take in a variety of different road types. You observer will ensure you are happy with the route before heading out.

• Will I be given a demo ride?

  The police riders will not be giving a demo ride. Whoever takes you out for your observed ride will explain what they require of you and what to do in the event of other eventualities such as requiring you to stop. There is a possibility that you will follow the police rider if there is more than one person being observed.

• Will I be tested?

  Garda BikeSafe workshops include an observed ride. While you will receive structured verbal and written feedback, this observed ride is not a test and nor is it a competition with fellow workshop participants. Feedback will be given respectfully and in a way which will enable participants to maximise their learning.

• Do we use intercoms?

  We do not use intercoms. Instead we will give you a thorough briefing and advise you of any hand signals that might be used.

• What is a Garda BikeSafe workshop?

  Garda BikeSafe workshops are delivered for the minimum duration of 5 hours and a maximum of 8 hours. Workshops include eLearning, two hours of classroom based theory and an observed ride. The recognised National BikeSafe curriculum will be delivered during the classroom session. Local and regional accident statistics and causation factors will be discussed. The on road element (the observed ride) will be a minimum of 1 hour in duration under observation. This is the ‘wheels turning’ time and will include briefing, debriefing and feedback as required. There is no prescribed maximum observed ride time but practitioners will be mindful of the effects of fatigue, weather conditions and the ability of the rider being assessed. A sensible approach will be taken by the practitioner and the riders welfare is paramount. Workshops may be run in a modular format, with the above criteria being included.