London's Metropolitan Police cancelled BikeSafe course
- ACBT London
- Aug 15
- 5 min read
We are bringing BikeSafe back to London! Welcome to Ride Safe London!
Ride Safe London by ACBT London: Filling the Gap Left by the Police BikeSafe
For more than 20 years, London’s motorcyclists benefited from the Metropolitan Police’s BikeSafe workshop, a valued and highly respected post-test opportunity to improve technique, receive expert feedback, and become safer, more skilled riders. That initiative ended at the start of this year when the Met withdrew from the scheme, leaving a significant gap in rider development options in the capital. ACBT London has stepped in to fill that void with Ride Safe London.
We are grateful for the support of our partners Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), Lexham Insurance and Triumph London. MAG have been campaigning on behalf of motorcyclists for many years and have been pro-active in investigating the reason why the Metropolitan Police cancelled their BikeSafe workshop. In this video our very own Joe discusses the impact of the loss of BikeSafe and how our Ride Safe London training aims to fill the gap.
What is Ride Safe London?
Ride Safe London is designed as the practical bridge between passing your motorcycle test and progressing into advanced training. It is aimed at riders who already hold a full A2 or A licence and want to refine their skills, ride more confidently, and stay safer on London’s demanding roads as well as in the wider riding environment.
The course brings back the spirit of the Police's BikeSafe workshop by employing two of the six original Metropolitan Police BikeSafe officers. These experienced, police-trained motorcyclists observe participants and provide constructive feedback and advice, just as they did under the original scheme.
Who Can Take Part?
Entry requirements are simple and focused on safety:
You must hold a full UK motorcycle licence in category A2 or A (training is not currently offered on machines below A2).
You must ride your own motorcycle, which must be fully road-legal (valid tax, MOT if applicable, insurance, and in a safe mechanical condition).
The bike will be checked on the day: all functions must work, tyres must be in good condition, number plates must comply with the law (flip-up plates are not allowed), and exhausts must meet legal standards.
You must wear appropriate motorcycle protective clothing and an approved helmet.
Bring your driving licence. Holders of older paper licences need additional photo ID (such as a passport).
What Does the Training Involve?
A short online training module is completed prior to the day of the observed ride covering motorcycle safety elements. The actual day begins with theory covering the principles of advanced riding and a systematic approach to the road. Topics include:
Reading the road
Observation
Effective positioning
Appropriate use of speed
Motorcycle control
Cornering
Braking techniques
Hazard planning
You then head out onto a variety of roads and traffic conditions while being observed by an experienced police-trained observer. Regular debriefs throughout the ride help refine technique and sharpen skills in real time. At the end of the session you receive personalised feedback on your progress and clear advice on how to continue improving. You will also be issued with a certificate of completion that will unlock a range of partner benefits, see below.
The overall aim is to leave you a more confident, efficient, progressive, skilled — and therefore safer — rider.
Why ACBT London Offers This Course
ACBT London is clear about its motivation: “We offer this training because we believe in it.” The motorcycle training school based in SE London is saddened by the loss of the official BikeSafe scheme in London and wants to help keep motorcyclists safer through effective, professional training. They believe London’s riders deserve access to this kind of development opportunity.
The Benefits of Ride Safe London
The main benefits are to the rider. By becoming a more skilled rider you will be a safer rider and you will enjoy motorcycling even more. You will learn skills that will stay with you for life. Remember, this is the start of your progression from a new rider to an advanced rider and we hop that by giving you this introduction you will then engage in advanced training to make you even more skilled.
Completing Ride Safe London and receiving the course certificate unlocks partner discounts. Supporting partners include:
Lexham Insurance
Motorcycle Action Group (MAG)
Triumph London
These organisations have agreed to offer discounted products and services to riders who complete the course. Motorcycle insurance is very expensive in London. There are two ways to reduce your premium. One is the established manner of building your No Claims Discount, which can take time. The other is to demonstrate you are a safer rider by being a more skilled rider so Lexham Insurance have agreed to offer a discount on motorcycle insurance on completion of the Ride Safe London course. Additionally, through MAG membership, riders can unlock further benefits and discounted services including motorcycle insurance and legal cover.
How to Book
Ready to take the next step in your riding? You can book Ride Safe London directly via the form on ACBT London’s page: https://www.acbt.london/ridesafelondon or via the dedicated course website https://www.ridesafe.london
Whether you recently passed your test and want to build on that foundation, or you’re an experienced rider looking to polish your skills and stay safer in varied road and traffic environments and conditions, Ride Safe London offers a structured, expert-led way forward.
ACBT London’s message is simple and encouraging: "We believe in increasing the safety of London’s motorcyclists, we believe in effective training, and we believe in you".
Ride safe, London!
Your Opinion Matters
Do you have experience of the Police's BikeSafe programme? Have you completed it? What did you think about it and how did it improve your riding skill? Use the comment section to let us know!
Have you taken any form of advanced rider training?
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We think the Metropolitan Police made a rash and incorrect decision in cancelling the BikeSafe course which is why we have created Ride Safe. London has the highest concentration of motorcyclists in the UK so it makes sense to have a workshop to increase knowledge, skill and technique after passing the test to reduce casualties. The Police don't want to do this any more so ACBT London will do it.