Bristol Advanced Motorcyclists

Why Join?

We are not about taking the fun out of motorcycling, on the contrary, increased skills equal increased safety, enjoyment and life expectancy!

If you're a biker you'll know the statistics of which we are constantly being reminded, but they also show that a biker who reaches advanced test level is up to 66% less likely to be involved in a road collision.

a biker who reaches advanced test level is up to 66% less likely to be involved in a road collision

Our courses are based around Motorcycle Roadcraft, the professional training manual used by Police motorcyclists throughout the United Kingdom, The IAM book How to be an Advanced Motorcyclist is our principal reference book for the Test and Associates receive a copy as part of the course. You will need to study both books as you will require a sound knowledge to apply their safety principles and biking skills. We commence each course with two theory classroom sessions held within the Greater Bristol area and are two Wednesday evenings, a week apart, following which you are allocated one of our Observers, you then sort out between you a mutually convenient ride program.

We presently run 3 courses a year with start dates in April, June August.

The package is called Skill for Life and costs £109 which includes:

1. IAM book How to be an Advanced Motorcyclist
2. Your first Test fee
3. 12 months Group associate membership. (ceases when you pass test)
4. 12 months IAM National membership on passing your test. (you will be invited to join Bristol Group as a member after a test pass)

The local Group is run entirely by volunteers with some paid staff at IAM House in London. The two organisations are separate charities.

You will need the latest copy of the Highway code and we advise you to purchase Motorcycle Roadcraft. The observed rides are free, although the associate is expected to contribute towards the observer's petrol and running costs. The contribution is £10 per run (up to a maximum total of £100) and the average number of observed rides required to reach test standard is approximately 6 to 7.

To receive an application form (we need your name and address including your postcode, and details of which course month you are interested in) please email the Associate Co-ordinator (Course organiser). On the return of a completed form and payment you will be allocated to a course, spaces permitting. Places are allocated on a strict "first come, first served basis" based on receiving application and payment. We are often over subscribed.

If you have already signed up for a SFL course via the National IAM internet process you will still need to contact the Associate Co-ordinator as above and get your application, white and green copies, to him. The "first come, first served basis" still applies as we will have no knowledge of your National application.