Chief Instructor Profile: Mick Jones
Mick started riding bikes off road when he was 13 years old and by the age of 15 was a competitive trials rider. By the age of 18 years he had owned numerous road bikes including a Triumph Thunderbird and Kawasaki’s manic 500 triple, the HIB. On joining the police his career path led towards the CID and later as a detective on Regional and National Crime Squads retiring as Detective Chief Inspector. The covert policing teams presented him with an opportunity to become a surveillance motorcyclist. Don’t panic, this wasn’t aimed at targeting speeding bikers but on a daily basis following people involved in terrorism, organized crime, kidnap and extortion, often in life threatening situations. Police surveillance riders were expected to conduct high speed riding/pursuits and still be able to safely negotiate red traffic lights, congested traffic, busy junctions but without the aid of blue lights and sirens. The riding is based on a bog standard bike such as a fireblade or blackbird, where your ability to stay safe rested solely on your riding skills. In order to qualify Mick had to undertake the normal Traffic Police Motorcyclist Courses as well as specific courses aimed at covert riding and driving. He clearly had a natural flair as he scored the highest mark in his group and later another instructor quoted on an advance test ‘ he has the highest level of anticipation I have ever come across’.
After 20 years on police bikes and owning numerous bikes in 2003 Mick diverted his skills towards motorcycle training ranging from teaching CBT’s, DAS to advance riding. He is a holder of both IAM and RoSPA Gold Qualifications. He also holds a RoSPA Btec Diploma in advanced motorcycle tuition and is the Regional Examiner for RoSPA. He is a full DSA approved instructor for CBT and DAS, and a Bike Safe Assessor. These skills have been recognised nationally, with Mick being a resident expert for 'Bike' Magazine and a columnist for the Driving/Riding Instructors Association (D.I.A). He also can often be found on the biker circuit, as a guest speaker.
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