Milton Keynes Advanced Motorists

Welcome, and thank you for showing an interest in Milton Keynes Advanced Motorists (MKAM). Like me and many others before you are probably looking to improve your riding skills with a group of likeminded riders who enjoy the freedom and companionship that comes from motorcycling.

If you are then I can recommend the MKAM. Six years ago I saw and responded to a newspaper article promoting “A Better Riding Course” A course offered and delivered by the MKAM bike section at the local Police Station.

After completing the course, I joined MKAM becoming an associate member. I rode with several observers on our 1st Sunday guidance rides progressing to my own observer on a 1-2-1 basis as my riding skills improved. After many miles of training and some fantastic rides it was test time. Being well prepared by my observer the test went well and I passed. Looking back the whole learning experience was thoroughly enjoyable.

Socially the club is very active with a social ride each month with routes and destinations to suit all abilities and tastes. Weekend tours in the UK and Europe are also becoming regular items on our events calendar. To learn more why not come along to one of our 1st Sunday (in the month) guidance rides to meet us and experience advanced riding for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.

If you do have any queries or questions don’t hesitate to email either Jules or myself.

Chris Clarke
Chief Motorcycle Observer

Milton Keynes Advanced Motorists in conjunction with Thames Valley Police ‘Roads Policing’ Department will be running a ‘Better Riding Course’ during March. The course will commence on Thursday 1st March. There will be 5 weekly evening sessions held from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Milton Keynes Police Station. There are also two opportunities to get out on your bike; on Saturday 17th March there is a ‘machine control day’ held locally and on Saturday 24th March there is an opportunity to attend Milton Keynes Police Station where the course will be based and be accompanied by a serving Police Officer for an assessment ride. MKAM who are affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists have been running similar courses at Milton Keynes since 1991.

For further details please read the following info sheets: information sheet and course dates.

Much has been written about 'Advanced Riding', these are my personal thoughts to give you an insight as to what we hope to achieve and what you can gain. With many organisations and individuals offering advice and 'guidance' there are many ways in which the goal of being 'an advanced rider' can be achieved, but in overall terms they all run along the similar theme. One of the basic foundation blocks is 'attitude'; by already showing an interest you have already demonstrated the 'right attitude'. By continuing the interest and learning and accepting that you never stop learning, this will ensure a sound foundation. One of the first phrases you will often hear repeated is 'The System'. This was introduced by the police service as a standardisation of training at a time when the motorcar was beginning to replace the pedal cycle as a means of transport for the police. Initially it was a very formal framework, with little or no flexibility. As time and vehicle design has changed and advanced then 'the system' has evolved. The system is a sequence of '5 features' each of which you consider on the approach to any 'hazard'. When correctly applied 'The System' gives the rider the required 'time to react' to the 'hazard'. First you have to identify what a 'hazard' is. A 'hazard'' is anything that contains an element of actual or potential danger; it is also described as anything that could cause you to change speed or direction.

Hazards are grouped into three classes -
1. Physical features (they are there 365 days a year) i.e. road features like junctions, bends, hillcrests, and roundabouts.
2. Those caused by the presence of other road users, be it vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, horses or other animals.
3. Those caused by variations of road surfaces, weather and conditions caused by changing weather.

Of the three classes of hazard no one class takes priority, but each has to be seen or sensed, considered and prioritised. Obviously the junction becomes a 'larger' hazard if there is a vehicle in it.

The movements or intentions of this vehicle can also cause the 'size' of the hazard to vary. If the road is wet and slippery then this would also have to be considered and could influence your speed and the path you take. With hazards, the importance is to identify and prioritise them at an early stage. A problem identified and considered early will not become insurmountable as it would if not seen. Much of this ability comes with experience, but it is also aided by alertness and concentration. As said earlier there are '5 features' of 'The System', each feature is considered on the approach to a hazard.