Leading Motorcycle Training Specialist Gives Strike Tick of Approval

Queensland’s Q-Ride program is the state's motor cycle training program which sees new riders and old riders obtaining their motorcycle license and updating their skills. Training can be delivered under a number of formats – most commonly in a group or a one-one-one environment.

Steve McDowall, of Mates.org.au, a qualified riding instructor for over a quarter of a century said that Strike’s leading Cardo Scala Rider product devices can be very useful and beneficial in a training environment if used correctly. “In a group training situation we use them for instructor to instructor communications when 2 instructors are working on the same course and the training is being conducted on-road or on a circuit.”

Mr McDowall explained that typically there will be an instructor near the front of the group and another instructor positioned towards the rear of the group.

Brisbane’s certified instructor for the Q-Ride program said the key benefits of instructor to instructor communication in an on-road group training situation are:

• Continuous communication between instructors at the front and rear of the group, improving efficiency and the safety of the entire group
• Allows instructors to discuss the progress of students while riding
• Better training for students as the training can be adapted to the needs of the group as a whole, and problems with individual students can be dealt with faster
• Allows instructors to discuss and make decisions, such as route changes to avoid traffic, on the move
• Time saving as the group doesn’t need to be stopped for discussions between instructors
• The lead instructor can be notified immediately in the event of a problem, or if the group gets separated, for example at traffic lights

Mr McDowall said that when it comes to one-on-one coaching instructors are typically dealing with a student who already has a reasonable level of skill and experience.

“In a one-on-one coaching situation it is often appropriate to fit the student with a Scalar Rider device. They are cost-effective, easy to use products which aren’t intimidating to learner motorcycle riders.”

The key benefits of instructor to student communication in a one-on-one coaching situation are:

• Allows direct and immediate communication with the student to give directions and feedback
• Improved training efficiency as the student and instructor don’t need to stop to communicate
• Better and faster training results for the student as feedback can be given immediately and the student can relate the feedback to the behaviours instantly, rather than receiving feedback at a later time and trying to link the feedback to the actions they were performing. Correction can be given by the instructor and applied by the student instantly
• Improved safety as the instructor can warn the rider of any unsafe actions or possible hazards

Based on the demographic data from training groups which Mr McDowall teaches, most students are male, although the industry is seeing more females learning to ride.

“I have trained riders from the age of 17 to 60+; however most would fall into the 20 - 39 age bracket.”

Chris Ryan, Strike CEO said he was pleased to see the Scala Rider products working so effectively in the motorcycle training environment and to have the support of instructors.

“As a leader in the automotive telecommunications industry we look forward to continuing to support learner rider programs such as Q-Ride and feel that motorcycle safety is important, especially leading up to the Christmas holiday period,” Mr Ryan said.

Media Contact

Rachael WilliamsPublicist for Strikerachael.williams@touchpointmarketing.com.au0410 296 860