"Macho myths" putting women police officers off bike duty (From Surrey Comet)

"Macho myths" putting women police officers off bike duty

10:47am Sunday 17th February 2008 in News By Peter Truman

Women are put off from becoming specialist motorcycle police officer because of "macho myths" according to the Metropolitan Police.

There are only 30 women motorcycle officers despite 2000 in the force, leading the Met to hold a special training day for women on Saturday, February 16.

Officers got to ride the latest top-of-the-range BMW fleet and try out specialist manoeuvres at the Met's driver training school in Hendon, north London.

Speaking to the BBC, chief inspector Don Smith, who runs the training school, said: ""Historically, the number of female motorcyclists in the Met has been low.

"The training day is about redressing that balance and dispelling the macho myths."

Women officers were able to "have a go" in a safe and stress free environment.

Motorcycle police officers work in varied roles including Royalty and Diplomatic Protection, Surveillance and Traffic Patrol.