RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
January 9, 2008
STUDENT SAM’S GOLDEN RIDE SETS A RECORD
Southampton University law student Sam Davis is believed to be the youngest motorcyclist to become a RoSPA gold grade rider.
The 18-year-old from Gosport, Hampshire, passed his advanced test at the highest level on his 33bhp restricted Honda CBF500 despite appalling weather conditions.
It is hoped Sam’s example will persuade other young riders to take the challenge of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents’ advanced test.
To reach such a high standard so quickly, he put in around 1,500 miles throughout summer and autumn with instructor Chris Palmer from RoSPASmart (Southern Motorcycle Advanced Rider Training).
Hugh Curran, RoSPASmart Chief Instructor, said: “Sam’s achievement dispels the image that advanced riding is just for older people. We hope his result will encourage other young riders to build their skills with RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders groups throughout the country.
“I am over the moon that he has managed this feat at such a young age.”
Sam’s love of bikes began at the age of 11 with a ride on his grandfather Peter Mills’ Goldwing. At 16 he had a moped, at 17 he passed his test and had a CBF250 and then he progressed to his CBF500.
“I’m delighted to have passed at gold grade,” he said. “I’ve always understood the importance of safety and feel the skills I gained to become an advanced rider will make my motorcycling more enjoyable. It’s something all young riders could benefit from.”
There are more than 50 RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders groups in the UK and joining can cost as little as £20.
The groups aim to reduce road accidents by encouraging an interest in road safety and by improving driving and riding standards, knowledge and skill.
Those who pass the RoSPA advanced test are graded at bronze, silver or gold level. The gold grade is recognised as the highest riding award available to the public and is reserved only for the very best riders. The test has to be retaken every three years if people want to retain their advanced rider status.
For more information visit: www.roadar.org and www.rospasmart.com .
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RoSPA is a registered charity: Registered Charity No: 207823 Patron: Her Majesty the Queen RoSPA Head Office: Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK |
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