A COUNTY motorcyclist is setting up a mentoring project to help learner drivers gain confidence on the roads.

Will Hopkins will use a Slow Riding Skills event to launch his mentoring programme, Moto Mates.

The idea is that he will match up new riders to more experienced riders who can then help them get to grips with motorcycling.

Mr Hopkins, a motorcyclist for 10 years, created the project as part of undertaking a leadership programme after being approached by several riders seeking practical riding-safety advice.

He said: “I take rider safety very personally. It is a sad fact that fresh riders, such as those who have recently taken Compulsory Basic Training, passed their test or are returning to riding after a long break, suffer a substantially higher risk of being killed or suffering serious injury.

"The risk of injury and death are especially high on the country roads in my ‘riding backyard’ in Herefordshire/Gloucestershire and along the Welsh border.”

He added: "Moto Mates offers experienced riders with a few spare hours each month an opportunity to partner fresh riders – to literally be their mates – and to help them on the road to master their new activity."

The project will be launched at an event on Sunday, beginning at 9.15am, at Arle Court Park & Ride carpark in Cheltenham.

Admission is free and all riders are invited.

The launch event is being run in conjunction with RoSPA’s Gloucestershire group of advanced drivers and riders. For more information visit www.motomates.co.uk or check out Moto Mates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MotoMates or follow them on Twitter at @MotoMates.