Bikesure has a long history of working with some of the fantastically hardworking and seemingly tireless groups of volunteer bikers who give up their spare time to carry blood, organs and crucial medical supplies between our hospitals.
This crucial work frequently goes unnoticed, and even the patients who receive the benefit of the super-speedy, traffic-dodging deliveries would in all probability never know the part that this network has played in their recovery.
Standing in solidarity with blood bikers, the NHS’s unsung heroes
Aside from working with groups across the UK, such as the Severn Freewheelers, we were particularly pleased when we heard that a local scheme was starting in Norfolk, and were more than happy to offer help with funding for their West Norfolk bike.
Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers (SERV) Norfolk is here to help the medics at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Lynn get their vital supplies of blood and plasma without having to rely on expensive private couriers or taxis. They have a team of 81 volunteer riders, who sign up for shifts. The service currently operates two powerful motorcycles, a BMW 1200 RT and a Honda ST1300 Pan-European, and provides cover from 7pm to 6am.
We know the value that this provides, and bikers appreciate more than most the medical professionals that they know they may one day rely on, so I was pleased to see that Honda had made a little film celebrating the Blood Bikers across the UK.
An excellent cause, so well worth finding your local organisation and offering your time or money if you can.
Becoming a blood biker
The requirements for becoming a blood biker vary depending on the organisation, but for the most part you’ll need to have held a full motorcycle licence for at least a couple of years. You’re likely to need an advanced riding qualification from an organisation such as IAM or RoSPA.
If you tick all these boxes and you end up joining the blood bikers, you’ll need special training on how to safely handle medical items, which will be provided by the charity you join.
Other ways you can help the blood bikers
There are, of course, a number of other ways you can help out the medical couriers if you can’t become a blood biker. This includes helping to fundraise, volunteering at events, volunteering your time and talents if you think it would help the organisation, or even donating to the cause.
How to find your nearest blood biker group
If you want to donate or get in touch with your nearest group, you can use the Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes website to search for your local SERV group.
Blood biker insurance
On top of our ongoing support to blood bikers, we also offer blood biker insurance, otherwise known as blue light insurance, to medical couriers. Giving up your nights to help deliver urgent medical supplies in the community is an incredible cause, which is why we try to source affordable medical courier cover for volunteers. We offer multi-bike insurance for large groups of bikers. Call us on 0330 123 1028 for a free, no-obligation quote.
