An injury prevention charity that puts a highly trained trauma doctor or critical care paramedic on two wheels has announced the return of its annual ride out.

Following last year’s event, which saw approximately 200 motorcyclists come out in support and raise £3,000, DocBike is to stage this year’s ride out on Sunday September 25.

The charity says it will give motorcyclists the opportunity to take part in one of the last ride outs in Dorset this summer, before storing their bikes away for the winter months.

Dr Ian Mew, Co-Founder and Trustee of DocBike, said: “The DocBikes have become a familiar sight in Dorset and our work here is inspiring others around the UK to help keep bikers from being involved in crashes.

“Our volunteers give their time for free, but the equipment that we need to undertake our life-saving work is expensive.

“To make a real difference, we need the public’s help to raise much-needed funds for the charity, so we hope that people will show their support by registering to take part in our Dorset ride out.

“I would like to say a big personal thank you to everyone who has made this event possible and to each and every person who donates to help us save people’s lives in the community.”

This year’s event will give participants two ride out routes to choose from:

• A 30-mile route from The Churchill Arms in Alderholt to Henstridge Airfield – home of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
• A new 40-mile route from West Bay Esplanade in Bridport, which also finishes at Henstridge Airfield.

Refreshments will be available to purchase at both start locations from 8.30am to 10.00am, with all participants needing to sign in for the ride out by 10.00am.

DocBike receives no direct funding from the government.

It relies on the generosity of the public to continue its life-saving work, which puts highly trained trauma doctors, or critical care paramedics on two wheels, to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads due to motorcycle collisions.

With the Dorset ride out being the charity’s only fundraising event, DocBike is hoping that anyone who registers to take part will also use the opportunity to make an additional donation or raise a minimum of £25 through sponsorship.

To take part in the Dorset ride out and support DocBike, simply register online via the charity’s website at DocBike.org where more information can also be found.

Registration costs £10 per person and includes automatic entry into the grand raffle.

The DocBikes are tasked to incidents by the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) desk which is part of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASfT).

Clinical care is provided under the governance of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) as part of SWASfT.

Starting from humble beginnings in Dorset, the charity also has DocBike schemes operating in Staffordshire and Northamptonshire.

Other areas in Devon, Isle of Wight and Sussex are also expected to join.

The eventual aim is to have a DocBike associated with every air ambulance across the UK.