Richard Elliott, firefighter
Your bike? Honda Fireblade
Why were you attracted to this particular bike? It just happens to be the one I have at the moment
When did you become a biker? I got my first bike when I was six years old. Biking is in the blood, my parents are both bikers.
Did you take any rider training? No, but I wouldn't rule it out in the future. There is always something to learn.
What do you use your Fireblade for? To commute, and for my work as a travelling marshal and paramedic at road races around the country. As a family we attend as many road races as possible. I am an ex-racer, as is my dad. Since I stopped racing I have been involved as a TM/Paramedic.
What does your work at the road racing involve? On race day I work as part of a team that provides medical cover for the event. The TMs and travelling doctors are on bikes on track and can be at the scene of any incident very quickly. During the off-season we work as a group to try to improve our effectiveness at the races. This year we ran a First On Scene Training day for road-race marshals. The course has been developed specifically for motorcycle accidents with instruction from doctors and paramedics involved in emergency medicine. Although motorcycling is inherently dangerous, most incidents result in minor injuries, serious injuries are relatively rare.
How much is your insurance? Around €1,000.
Do you drive a car? Yes, I have a well-worn Ford Mondeo.
Were there any family objections to your riding a bike? My wife doesn't really like bikes, but she understands my passion for them. My racing career is over though!
Are you concerned about your safety? Yes, I worry about safety, the statistics make for grim reading. I think that a comprehensive study into the causes and contributing factors involved in motorcycle accidents followed by a well-run safety campaign would yield great results. The lack of political will may be a greater challenge: however, uncle Gaybo is a biker, so he may be able to do some good for the biking community. Only time will tell. I also think the FOST course, if made widely available, is a valuable course that all motorcyclists should consider.
Had any accidents? Yes, but I like to forget about them.
Have you taken any trips abroad on two wheels? I have raced in the UK, Spain and Italy but I have never toured on a bike, it's on my 'to do' list.
What, if any, has been your worst experience with motorists? Like most motorcyclists I can recount many incidents involving bad and dangerous driving. It would appear nowadays that aggressive driving and talking or even texting on mobile phones has become the norm.
What are your tips for survival on two wheels? Be seen and heard and have a high priority on self-preservation.
If you won the lottery, what would be your dream bike? Road racer Martin Finnegan's Fireblade.
- PATRICIA WESTON