A motorcycle expert said this week that current licensing standards did not forecast the "real-world'' situations riders would run into.

Road Safety Council member, Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Association (BMRA) vice-president and World Distributors service manager, Grant (Chelsa) Goudge said swerving around cones at the Transport Control Department (TCD) did not train proficient riders.

He said a dual purpose training/racing facility designated by TCD, BMRA and other parties would enable sufficient training for riders as well as provide an outlet for militant riders.

There is a large difference between travelling at 40 kilometres per hour during traffic and riding around cones in the parking lot, he said.

Mr. Goudge told The Royal Gazette his opinions while speaking about the free bike safety inspections this week at World Distributors, on Serpentine Road, as part of Road Safety Week.

He said safety checks and proper facilities were an integral part of ensuring Bermuda's roads are safe.

"Few people know if what they're riding is safe. Once-a-year inspection with TCD doesn't guarantee that the bikes are road- worthy for the other 364 days,'' he said.

Mr. Goudge said the free safety check only takes a few minutes as the mechanics ensure tyres, lights and internal parts are in proper working order.

Road Safety Officer Roxanne Christopher said she plans to put road safety issues on the dinner tables of every home.

Ms Christopher said: "There are many organisations, councils and bodies that affect various sectors of our community.

"But road safety affects everyone. Everyone is at risk, at some point,'' she said.

This week's activities include the introduction of the Junior Road Safety Council; a group Ms Christopher called "our pulse to the young people''.