HART training on the Gold Coast

Honda Australia Rider Training (HART) have again partnered with the Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) in order to improve upon the ‘real-world’ riding skills of local motorcyclists

18 June 2008 – Honda Australia Rider Training (HART) have again partnered with the Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) in order to improve upon the ‘real-world’ riding skills of local motorcyclists. GCCC has recognised the need to offer professional instruction for licensed riders in order to improve their ability to respond when faced with challenging conditions on the road.

The GCCC initiative was launched last year with the support of five times 500cc World Champion and Queensland born, Mick Doohan, who is patron for the GCCC’s Safer Motorcycle Advanced Rider Training program (SMART). Research from various sources including Queensland Transport and the Queensland Police Service indicates that some riders involved in accidents on local roads would benefit significantly from more practical instruction.

“It is reassuring that a number of Government agencies are now recognising the benefits of this type of training, and are acknowledging the value by subsidising riders,” said HART’s National Manager Mark Collins. “The rides cover selected public roads around the city and surrounding hinterland areas where our instructors can observe and offer feedback on how participants deal with various real-time situations.”

Groups are kept small to ensure as much one-to-one attention as possible, and the initiative is aimed at all riders, regardless of skill level. Courses are therefore delivered at two levels for either the novice and/or the more experienced rider. All riders must also hold a current license. Ownership of motorcycles and scooters is increasing on the Gold Coast due to their affordability and economical running costs.

To assist with the safety of the motorcycling community, GCCC are sponsoring part of the program with the cost to the rider being only $45 for one full day’s riding tuition with HART’s professional instructors.

Courses are available on the following dates:

July 12-13; July 26-27; August 9-10; August 23-24; September 13-14; September 27-28; October 11-12, October 18-19

For additional information on the GCCC/HART Program, contact Council’s Road Safety staff on (07) 5581 6450 or (07) 5581 6061. Website: www.goldcoastcity.com.au/SMART .