Motorcycle Safety: Get started young

Published: 26 June 2009 Updated: 19 November 2014

A field bike and a patch of grass was many a teenage new rider’s introduction to bikes, but these days there are a few schemes dotted around the country, many run by local authorities that give youngsters a taste of two wheels.

The Auto Cycle Union has a list of national schemes. Contact Debbie Walmsley: 01788-540519.

The best way to build up your skills from an early age is to enter competitive events, and ACU-run off-road events are open to boys and girls from six years old when they can enter the 50cc Auto Class.

Off-road schools also include Geoff Mayes‚ MX try-out (01986-788791) and the MCN CAS Honda experience, where XR70s are used (01536-373906).

Kids can also start junior road racing at 11 in the ACU Novice class.