This week, the DocBike charity hosted an award ceremony in Poundbury to celebrate individuals and organisations that have contributed to motorcycle safety in Dorset. The DocBike charity was established in Dorset with the mission of saving lives by investing time and effort into preventing motorcyclists from being involved in collisions.
At the ceremony, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick, Apprentice Paramedic Ben Preston, and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were all recognised for their work to reduce motorcycle incidents, improve medical response for injured bikers, and educate motorcyclists on how to stay safe.
Dr Ian Mew, co-founder and Trustee of the DocBike charity, said: “On behalf of the DocBike charity, and the motorcycling community that we serve, I would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all of the award recipients. I see a lot of trauma through my work with the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, however it’s motorcyclists who are noticeable by the injuries that they sustain. These award winners have gone above and beyond to help us to not only make the roads safer for all road users, but also to improve the care that we can give to people in their time of need through the deployment of DocBike response motorcycles.”
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick received his award for exceptional service to motorcycle injury prevention following the implementation of numerous projects that have contributed to increased motorbike safety in Dorset. These include funding two rounds of a subsidised bike lock scheme aimed at reducing motorbike theft and collisions associated with stolen scooters, supporting DocBike in providing a bike safety course for young drivers, and sponsoring the provision of first aid kits for members of the public attending a BikerDown course.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “I am truly honoured to receive this award. This recognition reflects the commitment of my office and our partners to work tirelessly to prevent injuries on Dorset’s roads. Every death on Dorset’s roads is a tragedy, and I hope to continue working collaboratively and innovatively to keep all road users safe in Dorset.”
Apprentice Paramedic Ben Preston was recognised for his innovation in developing a training package for ambulance staff to refresh their skills when treating motorcycle-related casualties. The College of Paramedics is now reviewing the programme for potential national implementation.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service also received an award for exceptional service to motorcycle injury prevention for their ongoing support of the charity, including providing facilities for DocBike to operate from and deliver BikerDown safety sessions.
Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole said: “The Service is deeply grateful to DocBike for this award, recognising our ongoing commitment to motorcycle injury prevention. It’s been a privilege to provide ongoing support to such an inspiring charity. We will continue to work together with DocBike and other key stakeholders to reduce the risk for all road users across Dorset. Together, we’re helping to make motorcycling safer for everyone on our roads.”
More information can be found about the DocBike charity at www.DocBike.org
From L-R Ben Preston, Lord-Lieutenant Michael Dooley, Dr Ian Mew, Dorset PCC David Sidwick, DW Fire and Rescue Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole. Photo credit: Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.