Motorcyclists from across Ireland gathered at Corrin Events Centre, Fermoy, on Sunday, September 20th, for the inaugural Safe Skills Cork Motorbike Safety event, a day dedicated to improving biker skills, confidence and road safety.
The event was organised by Cork County Council in partnership with the Cork County Roads Policing Unit of An Garda Síochána. Participants travelled from all over the country to take part in a range of practical workshops designed to enhance their motorcycling skills and promote safer riding on our roads.
The weather was excellent on the day, allowing riders to enjoy both indoor workshops and outdoor practical activities. A series of five specially designed courses challenged participants to improve control of their motorcycles at slow speeds, focusing on emergency braking, low-speed manoeuvring, turning techniques and parking skills.
SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT
The practical sessions were delivered by Garda Advanced Trained Motorcyclists from the Cork County Roads Policing Unit. Their expertise, patience and guidance helped participants develop safer biking habits while building greater confidence on their motorcycles.
“The success of the inaugural Safe Skills Cork Motorbike Safety Event highlights the importance of rider education and partnership in improving road safety,” Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Bernard Moynihan said. “It was encouraging to see so many motorcyclists taking part and investing in the skills and techniques that help make our roads safer for everyone.”
Feedback from those attending was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the event as both informative and enjoyable. Participants welcomed the opportunity to refresh and refine their skills in a supportive environment and expressed a strong interest in attending similar events in the future.
Inspector Fergal O’Donovan of the Cork County Roads Policing Unit said, “An Garda Síochána were delighted to collaborate with Cork County Council in promoting road safety at the Safe Skills Cork Motorbike Safety Event. The bikers enhanced their skills in emergency breaking and slow manoeuvring which will greatly assist them in both rural and urban driving.”
Many attendees thanked Cork County Council for organising the event and An Garda Síochána for enhancing skills development, recognising the importance of ongoing rider education and skills development. Several remarked that the knowledge and techniques gained throughout the day would help make them safer riders and contribute to improved road safety for the wider motorcycling community.
The success of the first Safe Skills Cork Motorbike Safety Event highlights the value of partnership, education and community engagement in helping to build safer roads for everyone.
