An advanced driving instructor with more than 20 years of professional experience has said plans to provide on-road training for learner riders in Bermuda cannot come soon enough.

Darren Glasford, the founder and owner of Systemized Training and Security Services, a private driver and rider training service, said that changes to mandated training for motorcyclists to include improved practical experience will save lives and prevent injuries.

The Government pledged in its 2022 Throne Speech that the provision would form part of legal amendments to the Auxiliary Bicycles Act 1954.

At present, the government-run riding school Project Ride provides training to students approaching their 16th birthday. It takes place within the confines of the Transport Control Department parking lot with no on-road component.

Existing legislation dictates that all motorcyclists must have gained their full licence before getting on the road, unlike car drivers who experience the realities of the road before licensing.

Mr Glasford, whose business has provided some training to Project Ride instructors, said: “We have to make these changes. You can go to a classroom and learn but when you go out and do it, it’s a different story.

“We need to put some more finances and resources into Project Ride.

“We had a lot of talks with TCD three years ago and we gave them some advice. In the Throne Speech they said Project Ride will have training on the road.

“They are still planning to do it but it is taking a long time.”

Mr Glasford said he was compelled to launch Systemized, which is staffed by a cohort of police officers with extensive on-road experience, because he was tired of seeing death and injury on the roads.

“The state of driving is deplorable in Bermuda; people are taking unnecessary risks every single day,” he said.

“When you are that person who loses a child or family member, you never forget it. This stuff is avoidable.

“In the UK, they have the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, and to become a driving instructor, you have to go through a lot.

“I think that Bermuda should be trying to improve the standards for getting your driving and riding licence and that starts with the person teaching you and the examiner. There is still a lot work to be done.

“We are all really passionate about it. We want to save lives and prevent people from getting injured.”

Christopher Swan, who has been an instructor with Project Ride since 1996, agreed that legislative changes would be beneficial for the programme while improving safety.

He said: “It gives [the students] that experience.

“On-road training would give them a chance to see things like potholes and oil on the road, navigate roundabouts and other moving traffic.

“We discuss all of that in Project Ride but nothing beats experience. It’s a natural evolution.”

Project Ride was supposed to be a graduated licensing programme but only a portion of it was introduced.

Walter Roban, a former transport minister, acknowledged the situation in 2018 and said the programme would be advanced.

The Government has declined to speak in depth on measures now under consideration.

A transport ministry spokesman said: “This legislation is currently being prepared for tabling.

“The Attorney-General’s Chambers are actively reviewing proposed amendments to the Auxiliary Bicycles Act 1954, which are intended to support and strengthen Project Ride.”

Tom Oppenheim, the Deputy Governor, said in the Government’s Throne Speech in 2022: “Safe driving habits must be ingrained in motorists at the earliest opportunity.

“Project Ride has provided instruction to thousands of young people but lacks an on-road training component which, owing to current road traffic conditions, must be remedied.

“Therefore, amendments will be made to the Auxiliary Bicycles Act 1954 to create a learner’s permit and to provide for on-road instructions and examinations for those seeking a bike licence.”

Systemized offers rider and driver training at basic and advanced levels, as well as customised training for motorists who need to develop a specific skill.

It also prepares people with no rider experience for starting Project Ride instruction.

Mr Glasford said as well as on-road training there should be tougher road infraction penalties to act as a deterrent.

He said that similar to a programme in place to provide education for those who are convicted of driving under the influence, there should be a programme for those who speed, drive dangerously or without due care and attention.

He said as well as such measures, there needs to be a change in the mindset.

“There is a formalised system we use to ride on the road — that is the foundation for what we at Systemized do.

“However, it’s not just about physical riding but also mental. What we need long term is a serious change in the culture.”

The Royal Gazette’s former road safety campaign Drive for Change, along with its campaign partner, A Piece of the Rock, had called for Project Ride to include an on-road component as well as advancing it as a graduated licensing programme.

Such a programme would include various grade levels and require riders to retake tests for certain stages if they have breached traffic laws.