York
Advanced
Motorcyclists
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YorkAdvancedMotorcyclists |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here we will provide answers to some of the commonly asked questions. If you have any questions you would like to see answered on this page, please email webmaster@yamonline.org.uk
I’ve noticed there are different categories of Observers, what is the difference?
What do I do in the event of an accident whilst on an observed ride?
I have 9 penalty points on my licence, can I still do Skills for Life?
What is the Disclaimer and when should it be given?
Any Observer in this club taking out an associate as part of the introductory briefing will always give the disclaimer as this is part of the Motorcycle Observer’s Introductory Drill commonly known as IDEALISM. The disclaimer is:
I understand that I am deemed to be in control of my own vehicle at all times, and neither the group known as York Advanced Motorcyclists or my observer are responsible for my actions. My Vehicle is also in a roadworthy condition, is properly insured and complies with all the appropriate legal requirements. I also understand that it is my responsibility to ensure that I have a current driving licence for the vehicle I am riding. I will comply with all the appropriate laws and regulations governing my vehicle and the rules of the Highway Code.
IDEALISM is the mnemonic used to assist Observers to remember the Motorcycle Observer’s Introductory Drill. Its full meaning is:
I...ntroduction
D...eclaration (Disclaimer)
E...xplanation
A...head only (Awareness)
L...ook for
I...n for test
S...ystem
M...achine
More detail can be found in the Motorcycle Observer Qualification - A Guide p12. Please note that the Motorcycle Observer Training Manual p32 suggests A for Awareness and D is for Disclaimer. The club will accept either version.
Before you start your journey you should ensure that your machine is roadworthy and carry out a number of checks. A useful aid to remember the key points to check is the mnemonic POWDER. This stands for:
P...etrol
O...il
W...ater
D ... amage/drive chain/destination
E...lectrics
R...ubber
More detail can be found in HTBAAM/PYAMT p30 & 34/35 and Roadcraft p172.
What is the System of Motorcycle Control?
The system promotes careful observation, early anticipation and planning, and a systematic use of the controls to achieve maximum machine stability. It is a systematic way of dealing with an unpredictable environment. It is central to Motorcycle Roadcraft, drawing together all other riding skills in a coordinated response to road and traffic conditions. It gives you the time to select the best position, speed and gear to negotiate the hazards safely and efficiently. A useful aid to remember the System of Motorcycle Control is the mnemonic IPSGA. This stands for:
I...nformation
P...osition
S...peed
G...ear
A...cceleration
More detail can be found in HTBAAM/PYAMT p20 and Roadcraft p27.
What happens once I’ve passed my Advanced Test?
First of all congratulations! If you are a member of York Advanced Motorcyclists, when you have passed your test, you will be moved into Team 5 initially, whereby you can further develop your skills and gain experience of riding with a group of people who have all passed their Advanced Test.
Now that you have passed your IAM Advanced Test, there are a number of options open to you:
Become a "Qualified Observer"
Take the IAM Driving/Riding Assessment
Take the IAM Special Assessment
If you are interested in becoming a
Qualified Observer, you should mention this to one of the Senior Observers who
will give you more details on what is required and speak to the Chairman of the
Training Committee on your behalf.
Who will train me to pass my Advanced Test?
Your observed rides to pass the Advanced Test will be conducted by York Advanced Motorcyclists Observers who have not only taken and passed the Advanced Test themselves, but have consequently improved their own riding to an even higher standard and have been trained as Observers, to effectively pass on that knowledge to others.
I’ve noticed there are different categories of Observers, what is the difference?
Basically the
difference is the level of training they have received and the assessments they
have completed. The four categories are: Senior Observer, Qualified Observer,
Group Observer and Trainee Observer. For further details see
Motorcycle Observers Training Manual p25 onwards.
What do I do in the event of an accident whilst on an observed ride?
Actions to be considered in the event of an accident:
1. Take
control. Make safe, prevent further injury or damage.
Do not put yourself or others in danger.
2. Get help. Call 999 if necessary.
3. Save life. Give first aid if appropriate. Remember your ABC – Airway, Breathing and Circulation.
4. Take details. Witnesses, other vehicles and police officer(s) dealing. If you have a camera, take photos when all casualties have been dealt with.
5. If the injured party is a YAM member and is taken in an ambulance, find out which hospital they are being taken to and be prepared to go with them if possible.
6. Inform the injured party’s partner without causing undue alarm. If police have attended, liaise with dealing officer as they may wish to relay this news.
7. Arrange for bike recovery or secure on site.
8. Inform team leader (senior observer) as soon as possible.
9. Inform the
Group Secretary within 2 days of incident.
For more information on accident scene management to go http://www.bikesafe.co.uk/bikesafe/firstaid/scene.html
I have 9 penalty points on my licence, can I still do Skills for Life?
At the moment the IAM policy on penalty points is that if an applicant for the Skills for Life programme has more than eight penalty points endorsed on his/her driving licence, then the Chief Examiner will not normally allow that applicant to take the Institute’s Test until such time as the number of penalty points endorsed and still legally active on the driving licence, falls to eight or below.
If there is any doubt or difficulty when a number of penalty points are declared on a Group Associate’s Test Application Form, a Group Official (not the Group Associate concerned) should consult the Chief Examiner’s Office for a decision, as soon as possible.
This policy does
not preclude a person from embarking on a programme of preparation for Test with
an IAM Group, or other preparation route provided the number of points endorsed
and still legally active on the driving licence does not exceed eight at the
time of Test.
What is the Fred Welch Rosebowl?
The Fred Welch Rosebowl is a silver rosebowl presented by the late Fred Welch in 1969. It is awarded annually to the FULL GROUP MEMBER who, in the opinion of a panel of judges, has in the past and is currently contributing most to promoting the aims and objects of the IAM.
Nominations from Groups are called for annually and no individual may be awarded the trophy more than once. DCMs, RCo’s, RMA’s, IAM Examiners, Road Safety Officers and IAM HO Staff may not be nominated as they promote the aims and objects of the IAM as a matter of course.
A DCM is a Divisional Council Member. They are members of the National Groups Committee and they may also serve on other committees within the IAM i.e. the Executive Committee.
The main function of DCMs is to represent on the IAM Council the interests of all IAM members and the Groups within their Division. It must be clearly understood that whilst DCMs are firstly nominated by Groups, it is the IAM’s Council which formally elects them on to Council. Thus DCMs are representative of Groups but are not mandated by Groups.
DCMs are required to retire by rotation at the Annual General Meeting of the IAM but may be eligible for re-election.
DCMs are not remunerated but receive reimbursement of expenses incurred in carrying out their responsibilities.
More detail can
be found in Section 5 (National, Divisional and Regional Group Matters) of the
Group Handbook.
A RCo is a Regional Co-ordinator and a RMA is a Regional Motorcycle Advisor.
The role of RCo’s and RMA’s is to represent in their Region the interests of the IAM in promoting the aims and objects for which the IAM was formed. They are part time members of IAM HO staff. They are representative of and mandated by the IAM Chief Executive, to whom they report.
RCo’s and RMA’s maintain a close working relationship with IAM HO and periodically throughout the year attend Group Support meetings under the Chairmanship of the NGC.
RCo’s and RMA’s maintain a close relationship with their respective DCMs and should consult with them prior to the DCMs authorising Regional Meetings once per year.
In order to ensure the general well being of their Region, RCo’s and RMA’s will maintain a close liaison with their Groups and assist them whenever possible. By invitation they attend Inter-Group Liaison Committees and Regional Liaison Forums.
RCo's and RMA’s advise the IAM Chief Executive on the following:
Formation of Sub-Groups
Formation of New Groups
The desirability of starting test routes
The activities of Groups
The quality of Groups Observers
Other matters for the advancement of road safety throughout Groups
Potential for new business
The disbursement of publicity funds to Groups
Any other Group matters
RCos and RMA’s liaise with the following:
The media
Road Safety Officers
Police
Commercial organisations
Along with the DCMs and in consultation with the IAM Chief Executive they will authorise and attend Regional Forum Meetings as and when required. Such meetings will be at the expense of the Groups concerned.
More detail can be found in Section 5 (National, Divisional and Regional Group Matters) of the Group Handbook.
York Advanced Motorcyclists is affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists
IAM Group No. 4229 Registered Charity No. 1065780
All information and photographs on this site are the copyright of York Advanced Motorcyclists or used by permission.
Group Secretary: Keith Kocinski,
keith.kocinski@yamonline.org.uk
Webmaster: Sarah Kocinski,
webmaster@yamonline.org.uk