From BikeWise Mini Biker to DAM Advanced Rider

PRAISE FOR MINI BIKE CLUB'S

FIRST 'GRADUATE'

A pioneering club for young bikers in County Durham has seen its first 'graduate' reach the highest level possible for his expertise on two wheels.

Dale Clement, 18 was one of the original members of the Mini Bike Club started in 2007 by members of Durham Constabulary's motorcycle section.

With assistance from a number of other organisations  including Durham County Council and the Durham Agency Against Crime the club has taught hundreds of young riders the basics of motorcycling techniques and safety, and provided them with a safe and secure way of pursuing their interest in 'mini-moto's'.

At the end of October Dale, who lives in Sherburn village passed his Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) motorcycle test – the highest standard a civilian motorcyclist can attain. And last week he came to police headquarters in Durham to be presented formally with his award.

Dale joined the mini bike club when he was just twelve years old and took to the roads with his first bike, a moped in June 2010. He used the bike to travel to and from college for a year before progressing onto his current Honda CBR 400, on which he passed his motorcycle test earlier this year.

Now studying IT at the University of Sunderland, Dale regularly uses his Honda bike to travel to his lectures and back.

Dale undertoook a day's 'BikeWise' training before joining the Durham Advanced Motorcyclists group, and completed his training with a test conducted by retired motorcycle sergeant and IAM examiner, Bob Brown.

His achievement with the IAM follows an honour in May this year, when Dale was asked to accept the Durham County Council 'Chairman's Medal' on behalf of the mini bike club.

The Chairman's medal is the council's highest honour and is presented to individuals, groups and organisations throughout the county to recognise significant achievement and outstanding effort in all walks of life..

"I am really proud of what Dale has achieved in such a short time. When we first started the Mini Bike Club in 2007 he was just a young boy who came along to our first meeting with his grandparents," said Bob Brown.

"Dale and his grandad, Dave, have attended virtually every meeting of the club to date and it has been a pleasure to watch him grow into a fine motorcyclist.

"The dream when we started the club was to give young local riders the opportunity to ride bikes lawfully and watch them progress onto the roads of County Durham. Dale has now attained the highest standards a civilian motorcyclist can achieve and he is only 18. Hopefully he will be the first of many from the club to progress to this level."

The group photo shows (left to right) PC John Bowman (force motorcycle section), Dale Clement, temp CC Mike Barton and Dave Clement (Dale's granddad).