How we do it- IPSGA?
IPSGA is a way of planning your riding that is methodical, safe and releases the potential of the motorcycle. IPSGA stands for Information, Positioning, Speed, Gear and Acceleration. These five phases are explained below:
Information
By constantly Taking, Using and Giving (TUG) information you become in tune with your changing surroundings and therefore, combined with the rest of the system, you are able to use that information to make good decisions in good time.
Positioning
Are you in the best place to see and be seen and to use what you can see? Changing where you ride on the road can add valuable seconds to your decision-making time and the distance you can see to stop in. Correct positioning based on the changing information around you, gives you more information; more information gives you more options. Do you know where you ride and why?
Speed
Good information and positioning will minimise surprises and allow you to make the best progress in any conditions. Anybody can ride fast in a straight line. The system will teach you to carry the correct speed through bends. In traffic, it will allow you to use planned speed to greater effect for safer, smoother overtaking.
Gear
Understanding where you are on the road, what is ahead and planning your ride, will lead you to be in the correct gear for the current and oncoming circumstances in good time, providing options. The system will stop you fumbling for the right gear, which could contribute to a missed overtake, going into a corner badly and improving your braking distance. Using more information gives more time, allowing you to plan your riding and be in control of your machine.
Acceleration
The modern motorcycle has many benefits over many other vehicles – more flexibility, better visibility, quicker acceleration and so on. Using the above components of the system will enable you to enjoy these benefits. The system teaches you when to use these advantages to best effect and when to cool it in certain situations. This is one time when you really can’t beat the system! Proved over hundreds of thousands of miles, this is one item of motorcycle kit that can really save your life.
TRAINING INFORMATION
OBSERVED RIDES
If you come to one of the Sunday club meetings, we will offer an assessment ride with one of our observers. This takes the form of a pre-brief and chat about the club and the IAM, a short ride about thirty minutes and a de-brief.
When you join the club as an associate, we will allocate you to an observer who will arrange a number of observed rides.
The process during these observed rides is a pre-brief followed by a ride where the observer will follow and perhaps stop during the ride to talk about aspects of your riding. (See photo of de-brief on the left from “Was it that good?”) Some observers will use a radio connection with the associate to give feedback whilst on the ride. We keep this to an absolute minimum so as not distract the associate.
We follow the guidance produced by the IAM which is largely based on the police method of motorcycle training.
THE ASSOCIATE
You will receive a portfolio which outlines all the expectations to become an advanced rider. As well as verbal de-briefs, you will find inside your portfolio record sheets that will outline your progress towards passing the IAM advanced riding test. These will be completed after each run by your observer.
THE TEST
All tests are carried out by qualified examiners usually current or ex-policemen who are class A riders. When your observer deems you to be ready, he/she will refer you to a National Observer (NO) will conduct a pre-test. If you are deemed to be at the required standard the NO will recommend you apply for the test
OBSERVERS
All our observers will have undergone training both theory and practical. They will have been examined by a local assessor, usually a National Observer. The qualification is recognised by the Institute of Motor Industries (IMI). This is similar to an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification).
All observers who use a radio link will have undergone training and will have had to pass three levels of examination.
NATIONAL OBSERVERS
These are observers who usually have the greatest experience and have undergone a rigorous test which is repeated every three years.
