RAMP prepares for the coming year

MOTORCYCLING experts have been checking their bikes as they get ready to celebrate their third anniversary.

The RAMP project was founded in February 2006, aimed at providing motorcycle courses for young people in Richmondshire aged between 13 and 19 years.

In anticipation of this year’s courses, starting on Saturday (February 28), organisers Gill Morrissey, Kev Mason and PC Sue Dent have run essential safety checks on the group’s six motorcycles at Risedale School to ensure the machines were all still in top condition.

Mr Mason said: “We’re very busy preparing for this year’s activities. We aim to run four or five courses during the year, as well as providing an opportunity for young people to ride on one-day taster courses in conjunction with school holidays – so there’s a lot going on!”

To date, RAMP has trained about 80 young people to be able to ride a motorcycle in a safe and controlled environment. Many of the students who have taken part were recommended by their teachers or local police officers – and a number have since returned to help out with the project in the future.

The project has received support from Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership (RCSP), the 4Youth service and North Yorkshire Police, as well as Broadacres Housing Association and the Foster Care Agency.

RCSP Community Safety Manager Pat Wilson said: “RAMP is a really valuable project that has helped dozens of young people in Richmondshire understand the importance of riding safely and sensibly.”