Formed in 1991, the Royal Signals Motorcycle Experience (formerly known as the Royal Signals Roadshow) provides an entertaining evening during winter months for Army Cadet Force Detachments.

Since the formation of the Royal Corps of Signals in the early 1920s, soldiers of the Corps have displayed courage and bravery in conflicts all over the world. In particular our despatch riders who during the first and second world wars rode their motorcycles to deliver vital information to front line positions, often involving riding over very difficult terrain and being a priority target for the enemy. Now with advanced technology controlling our communications there is no longer a requirement for this trade within the Corps. However there still remains a strong relationship between motorcycles and the Royal Corps of Signals.

The aim of the Motorcycle Experience is to introduce young people to the skills of riding a motorcycle in a thrilling but safe and controlled way. Using the expertise of ex White Helmet team members the Motorcycle Experience travels all over the UK visiting schools and cadet organisations, not only teaching the skills required to ride motorcycles but also the discipline and team work required to do this safely and successfully.

The Motorcycle Experience provides everything required for the activity free of charge. This includes the Honda CRF100 motorcycles, fuel, and the very important helmets, safety equipment and clothing. All that has to be supplied by the host organisation is a flat grassed area free of obstructions and approximately 100m x 75m in size - about the size of a normal football pitch would be ideal.

The senior instructor will normally arrange 4 x 1hour sessions for 10 youngsters per session during each day. They will be shown and have demonstrated to them how to wear their helmets and safety clothing, introduced to the motorcycles, the relevant controls and the safety control measures in force on the riding circuit.

Only when the senior instructor is completely satisfied that the youngsters are able to control the motorcycle safely and with confidence are they allowed onto the riding circuit. Strict rules govern the riding within the circuit with the speed and order of riding carefully controlled by the soldiers assisting the senior instructor. Any youngsters acting in a dangerous or unsafe manner will be asked to leave the activity.

At the end of the session the youngsters will be de-briefed on the activity and invited to interact with the soldiers running the session.

They will also be given the opportunity to ask any questions they may have on career opportunities available to them in the Army and in the Royal Signals in particular.