Young bikers working in Redbridge’s gig economy had a chance to chat to members of the Met Police’s Motorcycle Safety Team at an informal event organised in conjunction with 2 Wheels London on 30th June .
The police bikers met their fellow riders at locations in the borough where gig economy workers rest between jobs, to share stories about two-wheel life on London’s roads and to pass on road safety tips.
The gig economy workers outlined some of their biggest bug bears about their jobs, including the failure of too many other motorists to see them. Tackling London’s busy roundabouts seemed to be a particular nightmare, with one rider stating that it was as if “the other motorists don’t look out for us.”
To help them be more visible, police riders handed out hi-vis waistcoats and reflective stickers, for the gig riders to wear when out and about.
There was an educational element to the gifts, with both carrying QR codes to take the riders through to the 2 Wheels London training page, and its ‘Angry Al’ videos, both of which promote safer riding techniques and advice.
The police were keen to help the riders help themselves, and gave their bikes a once-over to check they were roadworthy, with advice handed out to a few over the need for better tread on tyres and other maintenance issues.
There were also riding tips. One gig worker told police how he had been left with a broken collar bone after being knocked down while filtering through traffic: the car that struck him “just switched lanes right in front of me, and I had nowhere to go,” he said.
His story was a good chance to remind all the riders that while filtering is fine it must always be done with care, at no more than 5-10mph more than the speed of the traffic queue.
There was also some good advice handed out on training; virtually all the gig economy workers were riding on L-plates, having completed their CBT, and the police signposting them to the 2 Wheels London website where they could check out further training.
The riders from both sides also had a chance to discuss the state of London’s roads, with the police offering advice on the best way to handle potholes in safety.
All-in-all, a great day of interaction between the biking communities, with another event planned in Wanstead and Woodford on August 19. Look out for details of where the police will be meeting up with riders.
