This presentation will outline the 'Brake like a Pro' initiative, which has not only uncovered the lack of appropriate contributory factors, but also the lack of published forensic motorcycle crash data, a lack of Event Data Recorders on PTWs and a lack of coroner reports. This appears to be why the problem has gone unnoticed. 

Mike Abbott, British Superbike School

Mike Abbott was a Ford Apprentice Automotive Engineer and worked at the Competitions Department at Boreham, building race and rally cars in the 1970s. He was then at Advanced Vehicle Operations, building Mexicos, RS Escort and Capri derivatives, as well as Police and MOD vehicles. He spent most of his career in automotive - Perkins, Schrader, Magna and Dunlop are probably the best known organisations that he has worked for.

He started racing an ex-Neal Tuxworth Yamaha TZ350 in 1989 and was the Forgotten Racing Club's ‘Novice of the Season’ at the tender age of 38. He stopped racing in 2005 but still attends Classic Bike trackdays.

He completed an MBA at Sheffield in 1988/91, then qualified as a FE Teacher (FAETC) in 1997.

He completed the RoSPA Advanced Instructor’s Course in 2009, delivering ‘RideSafe’ courses in Notts, then qualified as a DVSA Post-test Trainer in 2010.

In 2012 he designed and delivered ‘SharpRider’ workshops for Derbyshire County Council, based on the Enhanced Rider Scheme, and launched the British Superbike School supported by the South Yorkshire Police. ‘Twang’, a workshop for young riders for Safer Roads South Yorkshire, was designed and delivered in 2015. 

He qualified as an ACU Road Race Coach in 2016, with 'The School' becoming ACU/FIM accredited.

He has post–test trained circa 500 road riders, and 2,000 track riders over the last 15 years, with a team of licenced ACU Road Race Coaches and has had many articles published in the motorcycling press.

He recently advised the National Young Rider Forum on young rider hazards, and is currently working with the MCIA and NMC on rider issues, notably emergency braking, having recently discovered that 50% of riders cannot achieve Highway Code standards, and the same percentage skid and fall while braking.