RoSPA vs IAM?
- Thread starter Ross Dean
- Start date
Backmarker
Registered user
I moved out of London into Kent in 2001. Despite having worked as both a Courier and Riding Instructor, I was feeling completely uncomfortable. My riding clearly did not fit with local 'custom & practice'. So I joined IAM, RoSPA, did the BMW OffRoad Course under John Deacon, and Bikesafe (Met Pol & Essex Constabulary - yes, yes, but neither Kent nor Sussex Plod were doing it at that time).
Got my Green Badge, but left IAM when I started to be critised for things I really felt made me safe, eg not doing more than one lifesaver when joining a motorway because it 'proves' you didn't see enough the first time - and yes, I still have the official observers card.
I left RoSPA (without taking my test) because I was told I was 'Gold Standard', but would only get a 'Silver' badge because I wouldn't 'offside' enough. On a road that has subsequently seen the death of a Police Officer (on a Police Bike) killed whilst 'Offsiding'.
Joing the IAM, RoSPA and doing the BikeSafe courses were the best thing I did. Gave me real insight into expectations, benchmarked me against others, made me think about how I rode, and, ultimately, made me confident enough to be able to say 'Thank you', and you have given me the confidence to take responsibility for my own riding style.
BUT, Know this: There are some agreed principles (rules if you like), for all these programs, and if you go on a GS meet you may well find yourself feeling ompletely uncomfortable. IAM/RoSPA Riding will not fit with local 'custom & practice'.
eg: GS meet rideouts tend to be 45-65mph regardless of official speed limits, time of day, visibility, road condition etc. Stoppping on roundabouts was de rigueur. IAM & RoSPA are completley unforgiving of 31 in a 30, 42 in a 40 etc, but they are equally unforgiving of 59mph on a single carridgeway in a NSLA unless there is a bloody good reason. Stopping on a Roundabout was never addressed for some reason
Got my Green Badge, but left IAM when I started to be critised for things I really felt made me safe, eg not doing more than one lifesaver when joining a motorway because it 'proves' you didn't see enough the first time - and yes, I still have the official observers card.
I left RoSPA (without taking my test) because I was told I was 'Gold Standard', but would only get a 'Silver' badge because I wouldn't 'offside' enough. On a road that has subsequently seen the death of a Police Officer (on a Police Bike) killed whilst 'Offsiding'.
Joing the IAM, RoSPA and doing the BikeSafe courses were the best thing I did. Gave me real insight into expectations, benchmarked me against others, made me think about how I rode, and, ultimately, made me confident enough to be able to say 'Thank you', and you have given me the confidence to take responsibility for my own riding style.
BUT, Know this: There are some agreed principles (rules if you like), for all these programs, and if you go on a GS meet you may well find yourself feeling ompletely uncomfortable. IAM/RoSPA Riding will not fit with local 'custom & practice'.
eg: GS meet rideouts tend to be 45-65mph regardless of official speed limits, time of day, visibility, road condition etc. Stoppping on roundabouts was de rigueur. IAM & RoSPA are completley unforgiving of 31 in a 30, 42 in a 40 etc, but they are equally unforgiving of 59mph on a single carridgeway in a NSLA unless there is a bloody good reason. Stopping on a Roundabout was never addressed for some reason
I've been a member of the IAM for several years, passed my test and also done an enhanced advanced test with TVAM. Who in my oppinion strive to achieve the highest standards. I will always look to improving my riding and don't accept that passing a test is where you stop improving.
Similar threads
