Press release -
Former police officer who has dedicated 40 years to road safety awarded an MBE for services to motorcycle road safety
A motorcyclist and former police officer from Gloucester has been named on the King’s New Year’s Honours list for his outstanding contributions to road safety.
Simon Ross, 60, has spent 40 years volunteering for road safety charities before joining IAM RoadSmart, where he was Chief Observer of both Gloucestershire Groups before becoming an Examiner, coaching people to pass their Advanced Rider course.
He said: “Being awarded an MBE means so much to me because over the last four decades I've been able to help so many people, give them safety information, and help keep them safe on the roads, and it gives me the motivation to carry on, and I’ve been very fortunate to work with a number of teams during the decades who were dedicated to reducing road collisions & casualties.”
Known affectionately as "Rossy" by his friends and colleagues, he has devoted 40 years to ensuring the safety of bikers. Rossy's journey began with his first bike, a Yamaha DT250, and a six-week road safety course in 1980, which sparked his passion for two wheels.
Following military service, Rossy joined the police force in 1994, becoming a firearms and traffic officer three years later. He joined IAM RoadSmart in 1999, and after taking the Advanced Driver and Rider courses, he became Chief Observer of his local group until he was asked to become an Examiner. He also took on similar duties for RoSPA, BikeSafe, and Biker Down.
CEO of IAM RoadSmart Antony Kildare said: "Rossy's dedication to motorcycle safety in Gloucestershire is truly commendable, earning him the well-deserved honour of an MBE. His tireless efforts through IAM RoadSmart have made a significant impact on road safety, ensuring that every rider can journey with confidence.”
This isn't Rossy’s first meeting with the Royal Family. As a firearms officer, he was part of the security team at Highgrove House in Tetbury in Gloucestershire, the family home of King Charles at the time. The King’s New Years Honours List recognises those who have made outstanding contributions to their communities and across the UK as a whole.
Notes to editors
For interviews, contact the IAM RoadSmart press office on press.office@iam.org.uk / 020 8996 9777
About IAM RoadSmart
IAM RoadSmart is the UK’s largest road safety charity providing advanced driving and motorcyclist training. It has a vision of a society where all road users can safely and sustainably use the public highways together. IAM RoadSmart was formed in March 1956 and has around 75,000 members that supports its campaigns on road safety. At any one time there are over 7,000 drivers and riders actively engaged with IAM RoadSmart’s courses.
To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit: www.iamroadsmart.com
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About IAM RoadSmart
IAM RoadSmart is the UK’s largest road safety charity. It has a vision of a society where all road users can safely and sustainably use the public highways together. It does this through a range of means including through the advanced driving and riding tests. IAM RoadSmart was formed in March 1956 and has over 75,000 members that supports its campaigns on road safety. At any one time there are over 7,000 drivers and riders actively engaged with IAM RoadSmart’s courses.
To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit: www.iamroadsmart.com
