Edge 44 – making the difference in Hampshire

Due to the popularity of big engine sports bikes motorcycles, accidents on Hampshire’s roads are an increasing problem - there have been 27 fatal accidents already this year on the County’s roads.

To help tackle this problem Hampshire County Council and Hampshire Constabulary have teamed up to develop a new motorcycle assessment programme, Edge 44, which is based on a previous national scheme.

The programme has been very successful in reaching bikers across the county, with the numbers of riders taking the assessment breaking expectations.

Backed by major organisations in the UK bike industry, Edge 44 is an overall riding assessment for motorcyclists that seeks to refine the way they ride and help them gain insight on reading the road, cornering, overtaking, solo and group riding, beating theft and handling the scene of an accident.

As well as tips and hints on how to be a better rider there are also practical benefits such as a 10 per cent discount on many bike insurance policies.

The assessment takes about four hours to complete and during that time bikers will cover around 80 miles. The cost is £65.

"With continued growth in motorcycle sales linked with the growth in motorcycle KSIs on Hampshire’s roads, Edge44 is an integral part of our strategy to help combat this problem," say’s the County’s principal road safety officer, Karen Lawson.

For further information contact Gavin Ashford, gavin.ashford@hants.gov.uk