The free St Austell police course with a prize for the slowest rider

Most days out with the police don’t end with a prize for the person who went slowest. This one does.

The Devon & Cornwall Police Road Safety Team is running two more free Gear Up courses before the end of the year, aimed at young riders aged 16 to 24. The Cornwall date is Saturday 14 November at St Austell Fire Station.

The courses are for anyone in that age group who rides a moped or motorcycle, or is thinking about getting one. Parents with children in that age range are being asked to take a look too. The team says one of these days might just help save a life, and with the festive season coming up fast, it sees no better time to brush up on staying safe.

📷Credit: Devon & Cornwall Police Road Safety Team

What happens on a Gear Up day

The day runs from 9am to 4.30pm and starts with a meet and greet so everyone can get to know each other. That’s followed by a short classroom session on road safety.

The group then normally splits in two. One half does first aid training, including CPR. The other gets on the police motorcycle simulator and tries hazard perception and multitasking exercises. Then they swap, so everyone does both.

Lunch is bring your own, or you can pop out and get something.

The afternoon opens with a slow riding session and a slow riding race, which the team describes as incredible fun. The prize goes to the slowest rider. After that comes an hour-long observed ride on the road with a police officer or member of police staff, before an end of day debrief and certificates.

📷Credit: Devon & Cornwall Police Road Safety Team

Who does the training

The courses are delivered by professional staff with real-life experience. Trainers include police staff, police officers, paramedics from DocBike and the Institute of Advanced Motorcyclists, with guest speakers talking about affordable motorcycle clothing that still looks good.

The team says the day is relaxed and friendly, full of fun and laughs with like-minded people. Even better if you bring a friend.

And you don’t need a bike to go. Anyone thinking about getting one is welcome, because the team says the skills are for life and work for car drivers as well.

What you need if you’re bringing a bike

Anyone attending with a moped or motorcycle must wear a crash helmet, gloves and boots as a minimum. The machine has to be road legal, with insurance and an MOT.

The team is clear that this isn’t about catching people out or looking for offences. It says it has a duty of care for all road users.

How to book a place

You need to register first with the team’s motorcycle engagement coordinator by emailing [email protected].

The two remaining courses this year are:

• Saturday 14 November 2026 at St Austell Fire Station, Cornwall
• Saturday 12 December 2026 at Exeter Police Station, Devon

Both start at 9am and finish at 4.30pm. The team signed off its post with two words: “Ride Safe”.

📷Credit: Devon & Cornwall Police Road Safety Team