New Biker Down course to give 'essential skills' to help reduce motorcycle fatalities and serious injuries across Hampshire
Course launched to help protect “most vulnerable” road users in Hampshire
The fire service are launching a new free safety course to help reduce motorcycle fatalities and serious injuries.
The course, called Biker Down and provided by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS), will begin on April 25 at Havant Fire Station. It aims to give riders and passengers the “essential skills” and knowledge to reduce risks on the road and to respond safely should a collision occur.
Over the next six months,, 13 sessions will take place across the county at Basingstoke, Cosham, Sandown, St Mary’s, Southsea and Winchester fire stations.
HIWFRS Community Safety Development Officer Alex Jansz said: “Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users and knowing how to respond in the moments after a collision can be lifesaving. Our Biker Down sessions equip riders with the practical skills and confidence to protect themselves and support others.
“Thanks to the funding we’ve received, we’ve been able to reintroduce the programme and significantly expand delivery of these courses across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”
The courses are completely free and last three hours covering incident scene management, casualty care, and helping riders understand how they can be seen better by other road users. It is a nationally recognised training course which was developed by Kent Fire & Rescue Service and is run by dedicated volunteer instructors who are current or retired emergency service professionals and experienced motorcyclists.
The Biker Down session have been funded by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones.
She said: “Road safety is one of my top priorities and I'm happy to support any initiative that helps reduce serious injury and deaths on our roads.
"These courses will give motorcyclists and their passengers the essential skills they need to minimise the risk not only to themselves, but others. Every serious injury or death on our roads is one too many. Anything we can do to help prevent that has my backing."
In addition to supporting the Biker Down session, £10,247 of funding from the 2026–2027 Commissioner’s Road Safety Emerging Needs Fund will also help deliver road safety initiatives for young people in the community.
More details on the Biker Down sessions and how to book your place can be found here.