Bikesafe Axed in London
How we got to where we are
After more than 20 years of running the excellent Bikesafe workshop the Metropolitan Police decided to withdraw from running the course. At a stroke the only road safety initiative open to London's motorcyclists was removed.
Much has been done in recent years to improve the safety of London's roads for some of the capital's most vulnerable road users with considerable investment for cyclists and pedestrians. Bikesafe was the only initiative for us motorcyclists.
When we heard that the Metropolitan Police's decision was final we had to do something about it and were determined to bring it back so that London's motorcyclists can once again take advantage of this excellent workshop. In the video, our very own Joe, our Chief Instructor, speaks with Colin Brown, MAG Director of Campaigns about this issue.
What we decided to do about it
The Metropolitan Police's Bikesafe workshop in London was the only initiative open to London's motorcyclists after passing their test. By cancelling it we, the motorcyclists of London have been left at a distinct disadvantage in comparison, not only with with other road users, but when compared to other vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists who over the last few years have benefitted from more than £2bn on projects to increase safety.
As motorcyclists we account for less than 2% of road users in the UK and represent around 20% of road casualties. Last year (2025) 820 motorcyclists were either killed or seriously injured in London alone. Bikesafe was a drop in the ocean in the budget of the Metropolitan Police as the workshop was entirely funded by TFL. Trainees paid around £84 for the heavily subsidised course booking although a realistic real world price would have been closer to £300 per rider (if without the TFL subsidy).
London has the highest concentration of motorcycles in the country and, contrary to other counties in the UK, we have no access to this type of more advanced safety training offered by true experts. Consequently our insurance premiums are higher than elsewhere in the country. With all this in mind we decided to do something about it.
We know and have worked with some of the original Bikesafe officers and they have agreed to run our Ridesafe London course in the same way as the Bikesafe workshop. This means you will receive the same level of guidance and development that other motorcyclists are enjoying around the country. With our partnership with Lexham, MAG and others (see the partners page) once you complete the course you will be eligible to insurance discounts. A better rider is a safer rider and a lower risk. With this we hope to help fill the void of Bikesafe and give you, the everyday motorcyclist in London, access to expert tuition and to help increase your skill. We cannot subsidise the course to the TFL level but we have kept the price well below what Bikesafe would have cost without TFL subsidy. To find out more just call us on 0208 331 1103.
