Stay Upright heads west

Western Australian motorcycle riders can now take advantage of the state's first-ever dedicated training facility, after Stay Upright recently expanded its operations into the state for the first time.

Based in the Perth suburb of Myaree, the state will be hoping the addition can have a positive impact on the fatality rates of motorcyclists, which last year sat at one in five of all people killed on Western Australian roads.

Until now, new licence training has been limited to a theory test and one-on-one tuition to learn the basic skills of operating a motorcycle, before the rider heads off to learn his or her craft through experience.

According to Western Australia's Road Safety Commission, the state currently boasts the highest number of motorcycle registrations per capita of any Australian state or territory.

"With so many riders on West Australian roads, and particularly in Perth, both beginners and more experienced riders need to acquaint themselves with modern safety training," said WA Regional Manager for Stay Upright, Lee Kirby.

"New riders in particular need more support before they get on our roads than just an hour or so of training in a carpark at a fast-food restaurant."

The pre-learner course will start with a theory component ahead of moving to the facility's training range, before the instructor leads the participants out on to the road to put their recently acquired knowledge into practice.

Stay Upright, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year, is offering its full-day Learn To Ride Course for $249, with group sizes limited to six participants.

Located just 15km from Perth's CBD, Stay Upright WA is located at 22 Thurso Road, Myaree. For more information call 1300 366 640 or visit www.stayupright.com.au.