MOTORBIKES: Motorcycles are a vital resource in any modern police force for sheer efficiency, particularly in situations calling for rapid response. The rider, unlike his civilian counterpart, faces long hours in the saddle every day, with pressures and situations most riders would happily avoid. John Wheeler rode shotgun on a course at the Garda Motorcycle School
Over the past few weeks Motors has been able to follow the progress of a standard course for new motorcyclists at the Garda Siochána's Dublin Motorcycle School at Garda HQ in the Phoenix Park.
Sgt Martin Reilly is head of the school, with some 250,000 instructional miles to his credit. The school trains motorcyclists for the seven Garda divisions in the Dublin area.
In addition to the standard, or "entry level" course, familiarisation courses are run when new machines are introduced - and there are advanced courses for Class 1 and Class 2 riders, who then join the traffic department in Dublin Castle. It also runs instructor courses.
Students on the standard course do not need previous motorcycle experience. It aims to take a complete beginner and turn him or her into a professional rider in just four weeks. The syllabus is based on Roadcraft, the police rider's handbook universally regarded as "the bible" for safe motorcycle riding.
There is unremitting emphasis on the Roadcraft system of motorcycle control, a key element of which is a level of observation and concentration which most riders find daunting. Since police riders must respond rapidly to situations, the trainees have to learn to ride briskly, yet all the time adhering to the system and riding very safely. If we are the ones in need of urgent assistance, it's good to know those coming to our aid can get there quickly and in one piece.
After classroom sessions on theory, and learning basic machine handling skills on the parade ground, the trainees are out on the road all day, every day. Each instructor takes three trainees at a time under radio control. Once shown the correct way to ride, the trainees lead the section one at a time, very closely followed by the instructor.
In the early days the instructor is constantly coaching the lead trainee by radio, warning of hazards, correcting mistakes. Then one of the trainees who has been following behind takes over the lead, and so on throughout a long day's riding. Most training takes place outside the city, reducing the time spent in traffic.
It's impressive to see how Sgt Reilly and his instructors manage to achieve a high standard starting with complete beginners. Most people, not being able to take four weeks off for training, need at least a year to achieve these standards.
Not every Garda rider I saw on the course was faultless all of the time. In fact, seven dropped out at varying stages. Some will have the opportunity to try again. Around 70 per cent of those who begin the course manage to qualify.
There is no difference in the techniques used by Garda and civilian trainers, apart from the requirement to ride when absolutely necessary, in complete safety, at speeds in excess of normal limits.
All who completed this course are safe and very skilled riders. Civilian riders can be as good, but it takes time, a lot of mileage, lots of practice (and money). Today's road conditions demand it.