A one-stop-shop for new and young powered two-wheeler (PTW) riders has been launched in a bid to help them safely navigate life on the road.
South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP) is helping to promote the new website which contains a host of easy-to-digest information on subjects including training, maintenance, security and insurance.
It is hoped that the platform will improve young riders’ road skills, knowledge and help to spread road safety messages ultimately reducing casualties.
Joanne Wehrle, manager of SYSRP, said: “We are delighted to signpost our local riders to this new hub, which also features our own YouTube series Mech It Better.
“It will help to support and empower young people who want to take advantage of travel on two wheels to commute or get around their communities.
“Powered two-wheeler riders are classed as a vulnerable road user group which is why it is so important that we engage with them using a relevant and age-appropriate platform.”
The Hub has been created by the National Young Rider Forum (NYRF) following a project titled 'Understanding Young Riders', which was published in 2021.
The research recommended the creation of a website directly aimed at young riders, featuring videos and links to on-line theory and hazard perception resources. It also suggested that young riders would benefit from having the opportunity to engage directly with NYRF experts as well as accessing information on the gig economy.
One of Safer Roads’ partners, national charity Mental Health Motorbike is also supporting the new site.
Founding member Paul Oxborough said: “Starting your motorbike journey as a young rider carries a number of risks, both to the rider’s pockets and the potential effect on their mental health well-being if they take unnecessary risks.
“The Hub is a powerful online resource that helps young riders make the transition towards becoming a safer and more responsible rider. This is a website that the team at Mental Health Motorbike are very proud to be supporting.”
You can access the hub via:
https://newriderhub.net/
About the NYRF
The National Young Rider Forum (NYRF) is a group of road safety professionals, joining their expertise to specifically look at young motorcyclists. This vulnerable group are aged between 16-24 years and ride powered two wheelers of up to 125cc.
The forum members bring a wealth of expertise from all corners of road casualty reduction and include representatives from local authority road safety teams, safer roads partnerships, Motorcycle Industries Association (MCIA), Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), police forces, fire & rescue services and the DVSA.
The NYRF research project was supported by a Road Safety Grant from the Department for Transport and the work was conducted by Agilysis Ltd.