So flicking through a few of AnyManCam videos, I cam across one where he did a ride out with his step dad who is a Blood Bike rider.
I immediately thought Ive been stuck at home for last few months, partly due to Covid-19 and being between work contracts and I could potentially do this to help out but there is one obstacle to overcome. And that is that even though I have been riding for 20yrs I would need an Advanced riding qualification, eg IAM Green Badge, RoSPA Advanced, DVSA Enhanced Rider or Police Class 1, any of which must have been RENEWED within last 3 years.
Does anyone on here do this and if so which of the above course's was the most cost effective?
I don't know about the others, but IAM have only recently started On Road training again, so you may find it difficult to get an Observer as they'll probably be catching up with everyone who has missed out during the Lockdown.
To join IAM it's £149 (IIRC) including the cost of your Test Fee, plus you'll need to join your local group.
I joined the IAM about 30 years ago when I took my car test with them. I did go along to a local bike group and went on a couple of their ride outs with a view to doing the test but found them to be a buch of old farts (other groups will be different) that did not really follow the IAM principles of riding safe and making progress (within the limit). Instead they were more worried about where their next cup of tea was coming from. Needless to say, I didnt learn anything new from them in the couple of ride outs I could go on then kids an weather stopped me going again.
Good luck helping with a good cause though if you can.
I looked in to it also a few years back and came across the same issues, also if I remember right you had to buy and fit your own rack / box system which would be permanent on your bike.
I don't do rain or threat there of. dry rider only with no shame.
Did IAM years ago. Like BBrown I got fed up with old gits and their constant pissing contests which each other and anyone who just might steal their thunder or could possible ride better than them. :rolleyes
Like many clubs, I find there's always this cohort of old gits who just won't let go and run things into the ground, with their utter refusal to accept things move on and if you don't move with it, you die!
Add the fact the IAM and many others, are just businesses nowadays, it's all just about money, i.e you've got to be reassessed and it costs.................. :evil
I don't get why the insistence by the blood bike people for advanced tests, I get it that they do not want to actually add customers for the blood. What's the problem with - say 5 years experience and over or something. Its one thing offering your time for free but to volunteer you actually have to pay out. What other volunteering opportunities are there where it costs you to help.
I don't do rain or threat there of. dry rider only with no shame.
(25-08-20, 04:01 PM)Middy2000 link Wrote: In the Lincs area the threshold is lower. You need I think 2 years experience.
What's more is they give you the bike for the time you are on call, and all the appropriate weather gear.
No requirement to be member of any advanced group or qualification.
I didnt know that? I live the in the Lincs area and looked st this a few years ago but as has been mentioned I thought I need advanced qualifications and a certain bike etc
If thats not the case I'd be more than willing to sign up ?
(25-08-20, 03:10 PM)Gnasher link Wrote: Add the fact the IAM and many others, are just businesses nowadays, it's all just about money, i.e you've got to be reassessed and it costs.................. :evil
I have never had to be re-assessed on the car side and still pay my £20 a year membership just in case they come up with a good deal jut never bothered getting my "green" card to match the "red" one.
(25-08-20, 04:01 PM)Middy2000 link Wrote: What's more is they give you the bike for the time you are on call, and all the appropriate weather gear.
Some areas you have to provide your own bike initially but then after a number of years they put you through the blue light course and lend you the marked up bike when on call. Other areas do not have a blue light bike.
25-08-20, 05:10 PM (This post was last modified: 25-08-20, 06:14 PM by Gnasher.)
(25-08-20, 04:48 PM)BBROWN1664 link Wrote: I have never had to be re-assessed on the car side and still pay my £20 a year membership just in case they come up with a good deal jut never bothered getting my "green" card to match the "red" one.
Standard membership I didn't have to, in my day either, not sure about assessor or instructor back then. I've no idea now b1k3rdude seems to think you do now, as he's research is normally on the money.
The issues for me, was just like you old gits! They wouldn't let anyone get to that level in the club, who they didn't know or was part of their click! :evil
(25-08-20, 04:49 PM)BBROWN1664 link Wrote: [quote author=Middy2000 link=topic=26472.msg319478#msg319478 date=1598367693]
What's more is they give you the bike for the time you are on call, and all the appropriate weather gear.
Some areas you have to provide your own bike initially but then after a number of years they put you through the blue light course and lend you the marked up bike when on call. Other areas do not have a blue light bike.
[/quote]Just a reminder to people althought you get a blue light bike (as far as I was aware ) you are not allowed to use them and they are just for show but do get peoples attention evn when not on.
I don't do rain or threat there of. dry rider only with no shame.
25-08-20, 06:06 PM (This post was last modified: 25-08-20, 06:11 PM by b1k3rdude.)
(25-08-20, 05:10 PM)fazersharp link Wrote: although you get a blue light bike (as far as I was aware ) you are not allowed to use them and they are just for show but do get peoples attention even when not on.
Why would BB waste thier & money time putting you on a course to get said bike and then not let you use it.
(25-08-20, 05:10 PM)Gnasher link Wrote: b1k3rdude seems to think you do now, as he's research is normally on the money.
I got the info direct from Bed & herts BB website, but other regions maybe different. Regarding IAM, I had a sneaking suspicion that might be the case with them.
I'm all for volunteering my own time and covering my food costs, but using my own bike and covering fuel costs is a non-starter. So have pinged my local BB to get the info on this.
(25-08-20, 06:06 PM)b1k3rdude link Wrote: Why would BB waste thier & money time putting you on a course to get said bike and then not let you use it.
They won't only the emergency services that includes, BTP, EOD, all military police, are permitted to use blue lights, speed, run traffic lights, but legally only when the call is an emergency.
Blood deliveries aren't emergency services, if they need it that fast they would give it to the police or fly it. That said it's up to the police officer at the time or camera and/or a court.
25-08-20, 06:41 PM (This post was last modified: 25-08-20, 07:17 PM by fazersharp.)
(25-08-20, 06:06 PM)b1k3rdude link Wrote: Why would BB waste thier & money time putting you on a course to get said bike and then not let you use it.
Perhaps you could ask them.
Maybe its my local one from memory you use your own bike own fuel -buy and fit a specialised carrier at your cost, be a member of IAM and you only get to use the BB bike if you can commit to a lot of hours AND although it has blue lights it is only for show, don't remember anything about going on a blue light course - maybe that's why you cant use them.
Looks like each area has there own rules. It shouldn't be such hard work and cost to volunteer. Like I said I tried and just ended up thinking "Oh FOC it then "
Just checked my local one and now you only use their bikes - which is an improvement.
I don't do rain or threat there of. dry rider only with no shame.
25-08-20, 08:19 PM (This post was last modified: 25-08-20, 08:33 PM by b1k3rdude.)
(25-08-20, 06:26 PM)Gnasher link Wrote: Blood deliveries aren't emergency services, if they need it that fast they would give it to the police or fly it. That said it's up to the police officer at the time or camera and/or a court.
I did wonder what was meant by the term 'blue bikes', I didn't realize it was in reference to blue and two's. But it seems some bikes do get them, as per the following vid from 2016, are only allowed to use them in exceptional circumstances and even then only when authorized.
(25-08-20, 04:49 PM)BBROWN1664 link Wrote: Some areas you have to provide your own bike initially
And so does bed & herts as I have just found out, you use your own bike, pay for your petrol. And it also look like you need to have a rack mounted to the bike.
Also Members must declare their intention to use their vehicle(s) for SERV operations to their insurance provider. Most have no problem with this as it is not considered to be for hire or reward, although some will ask that you take out business use cover or to include ‘Charity Use’. But in my exp. insure co. are more than not, arseholes and will increase my premium.
And then there is a section in the attached doc about liability which is understandable but concerning, if you have accident your essentially on your own -
Quote:SERV Herts & Beds and its Trustees and personnel shall not be liable in any way for the loss of any consignment nor for delays in delivery. Outside the site(s) owned by a Trust, it shall not be liable for any injury to any SERV Herts & Beds Rider/Driver, nor for any damage to a vehicle.
