A former police motorcycle has been donated to road safety charity Doc Bike to help save lives of riders across Sussex.

The BMW R1250RT was a Sussex Police fleet motorcycle used by officers from the Roads Policing Unit. It has been donated to Doc Bike to support the charity’s work on the roads of Sussex supporting motorbike riders.

Research shows that motorcycle riders are among the most vulnerable road users, and are disproportionately more likely to be among those killed or seriously injured on our roads. At the same time, research also shows that motorcycle riders can be among the least likely people to engage with police or public authority led road safety messaging.

Doc Bike is a registered charity which brings together motorcycling enthusiasts from a wide variety of backgrounds, including those working in medical services, clinicians, emergency services workers, and road safety researchers. Their aim is to prevent collisions involving motorcycles and to reduce the number of casualties on the road.

The charity provides advice and guidance to riders on matters such as hazard awareness and skilful riding, as well as highlighting where riders can go for advanced training skills and critical Biker Down first aid techniques which can help save lives at the scene of a collision.

Doc Bike members attend biker gatherings, rideouts and cafes, as well as motorcycle dealerships and training events in order to have more personal one-to-one conversations with riders. Presenting the motorcycle to the charity, Chief Superintendent Marc Clothier said: “We are proud to be supporting the work of Doc Bike by donating this former police fleet motorcycle.

“It ensures that the vehicle continues to have an operational and useful life beyond policing, and raises the profile of road safety for motorcyclists.

“Through national policing campaigns we continue to support initiatives to save lives on our roads, including for motorcyclists who are vulnerable road users.

“Doc Bike volunteers’ peer-led approach enables them to have important conversations with riders who we would not otherwise be able to engage with through existing police communications.

“We know that providing life-saving advice, training and riding skills will save lives of motorcyclists in Sussex.”