With the introduction to the Committee last year, the position of Safety Officer, it is important as a chapter we take on board his recommendations and act on them as quickly as possible. Safety and preparedness has to be at the heart of all we do.
For 2026, all riding members attending chapter ride-outs will be required, as a minimum, to have completed a 4-day full first-aid and field trauma course before joining any ride-out.
In addition, all riders should be carrying full British Red Cross-recommended, first aid kits and trauma packs, ideally with Nitrous Oxide Cylinders and respirators. We understand getting the Nox gear onto a Lowrider S or Softail Slim can be a challenge so we will give special dispensation to those riders. Pan America riders on the other hand should have no trouble. We recommend those bikes get a wrap or paint livery to advertise their special purpose utility.
Speaking on this new chapter policy which will be adopted today as a chapter by-law, Safety Officer Chris Anderson said;
“Riding motorbikes is dangerous. Very, very dangerous. Too dangerous for most people, and definitely not for old overweight guys in their fifties’s and sixties. In fact, I would recommend just leaving the bike and taking the car. Wear your cut though, cos you still want to identify as a biker. Especially when hanging around the dealership having gone there in a car.”
“And remember, when in the car….wear a seat belt.”
“If you really do want to take to two wheels, though, at least be in a position of being able to competently deal with massive blood loss and open chest heart massage as a minimum. “
Full trauma courses can be booked online via the following link, and should cost little more than £1000, so about the cost of a Harley service. Well within financial reach of our average member and a great investment in skills and people, we are sure you will agree.
Many of you will be aware that we are to be supporting Scottish Charity Air Ambulance at The Gathering 2026, alongside our regular charity Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. So, with the help of SCAA, Road Crew members and other members interested in Advanced skills will be taught how to abseil with trauma packs from helicopters.
Lindsay Gilbertson recently attended abseil training as a guinea pig for the chapter and came away mildly traumatised, but less traumatised than Head Road Captain Davie Fulton was when he heard Lindsay would soon be leading rides.
Every week will be a Mystery ride.
Apparently.