Motorcyclists attend Cheshire Constabulary’s International Women’s Day bike safety event

Around 100 riders from across the region came together in Chester on Sunday 8th March for a free safety event hosted by Cheshire Constabulary’s Motorcycle Unit.

The event, centred around this year’s International Women’s Day theme ‘Give to Gain’, brought together a wide range of partner organisations - all united in promoting safer riding, improving skills and supporting the wider biking community, particularly for women riders. 

Held at Halliwell Jones Motorrad Service, the event welcomed riders of all abilities - from new licence holders to seasoned bikers - offering them the opportunity to take part in professional observational rideouts, meet other women riders and connect with groups who champion safety and wellbeing. 

A wide range of partners also contributed to the event: 

• Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service were providing bike safety support and engaged with riders on broader road safety awareness. 

• National Highways were providing valuable information on road safety and offering attendees a discount code for BikeSafe workshops to encourage continued training. 

• North Wales Police Motorcycle Team brought along a dramatic mannequin display demonstrating the potential injuries caused by inadequate protective gear.  

• Mental Health Motorbike charity spent the day speaking with attendees supporting the bikers with their wellbeing.  

• Women Riders World Relay were there bringing together women riders from across the word. They showcased their mission to connect, empower and celebrate female motorcyclists internationally. 

• Blood Bikes riders from Cheshire, Merseyside, Shropshire and Staffordshire highlighted the lifesaving voluntary work they carry out transporting urgent medical supplies across the region. 

• IAM RoadSmart shared their goal of improving riding standards through advanced training and offered advice and guidance to attendees interested in progressing their skills. 

• Curvy Riders Motorcycle Club, a national women’s only motorcycle club, were supporting riders to connect socially and grow in confidence. 

• Evolution Women’s Motorcycle Club, another women’s only motorcycle group, were there helping bring women riders together through social rideouts and community events. 

Throughout the day BikeSafe assessors spoke to attendees about the benefits of professional rider training and offered demo observational rideouts, giving participants instant feedback and support to help them develop safer riding habits. 

One attendee who took part in a rideout said: 

“It was brilliant. This is the first day of the season for me on my bike and has given me some really good pointers. It has also instilled in me a belief that my riding is safe, progressive and on the right track. I really enjoyed it, and it’s really worth doing.” 

PC Jen Whelan, Cheshire Constabulary’s only female Motorcycle Unit officer and organiser of the event, said: 

“It was fantastic to see so many riders come together to celebrate International Women’s Day and to focus on riding smarter, safer and more confidently. The support from our partner organisations made this a truly collaborative event, all with the shared aim of helping motorcyclists enjoy their ride, own their ride, and ride safely. 

“The turnout shows just how many women are passionate about biking and by improving awareness, honing technique, and learning from experienced professionals, riders can help keep themselves, and others, safer on the roads. We hope riders left feeling encouraged, inspired, and empowered.” 

Motorcyclists are encouraged to continue developing their skills by booking a place on a Cheshire Constabulary BikeSafe workshop, where they will receive a full observational ride and tailored feedback from highly trained motorcyclists. 

Cheshire BikeSafe workshops are held at Cheshire Police headquarters between 9.00-11.00am, followed by a 90 minute assessed rideout, and will take place on: 

• Saturday 20 June  

• Saturday 25 July  

• Saturday 5 September 

For further information and to book onto a workshop visit: 

Cheshire Constabulary - BikeSafe