From the Editor

As you can see as you open this month’s Progress I’ve overcome my natural reticence to put myself on the cover. On 1^stJune I together with Keith Milsom and Gerald Dayalsingh made our way up the A12 to Essex Fire Service’s magnificent headquarters to take part in the service’s FireBike day, alongside a number of more local participants.

For those familiar with the Met’s Bikesafe the formula is fairly similar: a couple of hours or so in the classroom looking at common causes of accidents, factors affecting our perception etc, then out on the road with an instructor. Keith and I were paired with Paul, the retired firefighter who had led the classroom session for a ride on roads which were generally unfamiliar, at least to me.

To my surprise we were each invited to give feedback on each other’s riding, which as a non-observer I felt at somewhat of a disadvantage. What differed in part from the experience of riding with the police was a generally more informal and flexible approach, a willingness to recognise the instructor’s  own mistakes and an alternative perspective on aspects of the Roadcraft system such as questioning the need to always move into the ‘overtaking position’.

Overall, a great day delivered in a helpful and reflective manner.  Recommended.