AN AIR sergeant who witnessed a crash while taking part in a motorcyclist safety course is urging other bikers to learn more about road safety.

Sergeant Tommy Brooks,who works in air traffic control at RAF Brize Norton,was taking part in BikeSafe on July 14, a police-led motorcycle project run across the UK.

The aim is to reduce the number of bikers being hurt on the roads by teaching riders the skills, knowledge and hazard awareness needed to make motorcycling safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

But Sergeant Brooks received a nasty shock when he was behind a car that lost control and smashed into the railings along the side of the road.

He was on his way back to the air base from the safety course at the time.

He said: "Had I been more hasty with my own riding, and without BikeSafe fresh in my mind I may well have been caught up in the accident myself."

The military man is now urging other motorcyclists to take up the course, as he believes without it his story may have turned out a little differently.

According to the Department of Transport, in Great Britain during 2008 a total of 6,149 motorcyclists were killed or seriously injured. By 2012 that figure had dropped to 5,328.

But officials insist more work still needs to be done to raise awareness of motorcycle safety.

RAF Brize Norton personnel attended the workshop last week, designed to help riders discover their strengths and weaknesses and how to develop in order to get the most from motorcycle riding.

Corporal Matthew Rice from the RAF police dog section said: "I've only been riding five months and I found it really helpful. All of the instructors were really friendly and helpful. It is a great course and I would recommend it to anyone."

Flight Lieutenant Mike Kelman from 47 Squadron said: "BikeSafe is a great course with information and guidance from the police officers. It has helped me identify where I need to improve and has encouraged me to investigate advanced riding."

The course is free to attend for all RAF service men and women, as it is strongly supported by the Military of Defence.

The next course is due to be held towards the end of August. Visit bikesafe.co.uk for more details.