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BAM's Background
Welcome to our friendly group and we hope you benefit from what the club has to offer
A few lines to put you in the picture.
The Birmingham Advanced Motorcyclists was formed in 1991 after a request from the local council for a road safety initiative specifically for motorcyclists. A few dedicated West Midlands Police traffic motorcyclists decided to give it a go to see if there was any interest from the public for advanced riding courses. The response for the first meeting was staggering and the rest is history. We have over 350 members. Our primary aim is to assist motorcyclists to ride more safely and to get more from today’s excellent machinery.
Why do I need advanced riding techniques?
The cold facts are that our beloved form of transport is dangerous (as if we hadn’t been told that before !!) OK, so just how dangerous? Statistics tell us that an average car driver covering 10,000 miles per annum has a one in seven chance of an accident. We as bikers are:-
- More than 35 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured.
- 8 times more likely to be involved in an accident which results in injury.
- 20 times more likely to be injured ourselves.
Police motorcyclists have long been acknowledged as the best in the world having been in the privileged position to undergo intensive riding courses. Until recently these have been accessible only to members of Police Forces. Our guidance demands the same degree of machine control and precision as a Police course and the rewards have to be experienced to be believed. The course is a combination of theory and practice and if you take it far enough you may even take the advanced riding test and, if successful, enjoy all the benefits that go along with it.
We do not pretend to be able to make you a faster rider although that may sometimes be the case. What we can promise is that you WILL ALWAYS BE SAFER and that you WILL gain some improvement in your riding. How much obviously depends on your current skill level. Bear in mind that some people think that they CAN ride modern machinery to its’ limits and some think that they DO but the reality is that there are only a few mortals in this world that can and they are the likes of Messrs Rossi, Doohan and Fogarty. The rest of us are simply ‘Not Worthy’ and must be realistic in our appraisal of our own abilities if we are to survive on today’s hazard infested roads.
The IAM motorcycle test is as good as it gets for the rest of us and we want to share it with you.
What you don’t need
Stereotypes and egos are the biggest barrier to starting advanced riding.
1. It is not compulsory to be related to a parrot in order to manage 50 shoulder checks per mile. Advanced riding IS about being extremely accurate and aware of your surroundings but not to the detriment of any particular area. What is going to hurt you is more often than not what is ahead of you although the view to the rear also needs a high degree of attention. Even at basic DOT level the attitude towards looking directly behind is changing to a more common sense approach, we expect a similar approach.
2. It is not compulsory to own a particular brand or type of machinery / be very old / have lots of money / speak in a particular way / wear a cardigan or bobble hat or have 20,000 watts of dayrider lighting power. If however you do possess the above it is not a problem either, it is your riding that is the focus of attention.
What you do need
1. A sense of humour.
2. A driving licence with motorcycle authorisation and no convictions for any serious traffic offence within the last three years.
3. A motorcycle, any type so long as it is in excess of 200cc.
4. A willingness to learn.
How does the group operate?
Group meetings are fully backed by the West Midlands Police and are run by members of the Driving School and Traffic Department. The monthly meeting takes the form of a theory session followed by a guest speaker. Refreshments are available for a small fee. For dates and times check group meeting
The Test
The test lasts for about 90 minutes and pass or fail you are guaranteed to learn even more. A high percentage of riders who have had guidance from our group pass first time (85% in 2006). A typical test route covers around 40 miles and incorporates all kinds of road conditions, including busy residential areas, congested town traffic, main roads, narrow country lanes and motorways. It does not follow that if you crawl round at a snails pace that you will pass because of your exceptional safety. The examiner expects you to control your machine in a professional manner exercising due care and attention. He will expect a brisk ride and will want to see you ride up to whatever the legal speed limit is whenever conditions safely permit. There are no trick questions and no attempts to catch you out. The examiner will give you a full debrief and answer any questions at the end.
Where can the test be taken?
Almost certainly near to your home. The IAM has a nation-wide network of test routes. The examiner will meet you at a pre-arranged rendezvous. Tests are available from Monday to Saturday (exceptional circumstances can also be catered for).
Who are the examiners?
They are all holders of Police Advanced Motorcycle Certificates. This is the highest qualification for driving ability in Britain (probably the world).
What can I do after I pass my Advanced Test?
You have several options the first (and we hope that you do not take this option) is to say “Thankyou very much, that’s enough for me! and leave the group. Secondly you can continue to be a full member of the group and take part in the ever improving social side and rides out. This will increase your circle of biking mates with similar views immensely. The final option is only available to a select few and requires even further dedication. Many people upon completion of the test are eager to pass on their new found skills to others. This requires not only a high degree of riding skill but also the ability to accurately convey that message to others. The Birmingham Advanced Motorcyclists has an intensive teaching scheme including written and practical exams in order to qualify for the position of Observer. This ensures the highest level of competent advice.
Will you teach me how to get my knee down?
YES..if you want to, we have a wealth of talent in a group as large as ours and as a consequence we not only have excellent road riders but we also have several racers one of whom regularly competes in the Manx TT on the Isle of Man and can average lap at 108mph on a stock CBR600. Obviously we do not condone that sort of behaviour on a public road but we are willing and able to improve your machine control to the limit at an approved circuit under controlled conditions.
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