MEMBERS of the Road Policing Unit at Lancaster have organised the last of the popular Bike Safe 2000 skills workshops for this year.

These are taking place on September 19 and September 27 at Lancaster police station between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

The workshops consist of two free evening lectures, first aid training from Lancaster ambulance paramedics followed by an individual observed assessment ride with a police motorcyclist.

Successful students will be awarded a certificate entitling the holder various discounts. Almost 200 students have successfully completed the course this year.

The rider assessments will take place on September 30 from the North Road pay and display car park in Lancaster.

Police advanced motorcyclists and qualified riding instructors from Bikes 'R' Safe, a specialist motorcycle training organisation in Lancaster, will be on hand to speak to riders, or anyone thinking of buying a bike for the first time, and will be giving free rider assessments to riders throughout the day.

Bike Safe Liaison officer, PC Keith Collins said: "Motorcycling is becoming increasingly popular and we have suffered an increase in motorcycle crashes on high powered sport machines. Our workshops are designed to educate motorcyclists on how they can be safe on the road and to encourage them to take further training towards an advanced test."

Motorcyclists wishing to attend the free course should contact PC Keith Collins at Lancaster Police Station on 01524 596699.