It’s a fact that bike riders are more likely to be injured in serious or fatal crashes than car drivers. Research from the Department for Transport indicates that in 2007, 588 motorcyclists died and 6149 were seriously injured in road collisions in Great Britain.
What is more, 29 per cent of these deaths and 52 per cent of these injuries were a result of collisions on roads in urban areas (excluding motorways). Injuries to riders are far out of proportion to their presence on our roads. The government is aiming to reduce the numbers of injuries and fatalities with its motorcycle strategy.
• This page has tips and guide to riding more safely, as well as a fun video on the perfect day!
• Top riding tips
• Maintenance
• Essential kit
• Improve skills & odds
• Advice from a pro
Video feature
Whether you’ve been riding for years, or are just enjoying your first 125 bike, we all know it can be risky on the roads. To help you stay safe, here are some thought provoking facts and tips that’ll help you avoid a collision.
The facts don’t lie, unfortunately. Motorcyclists are just one per cent of total road traffic, but account for 20 per cent of all the UK’s roaduser deaths. In all collisions involving a car and a motorcycle in 2007, the car driver had ‘failed to look properly’ as a contributory factor in almost half of cases (47 per cent) and 40 per cent of all collisions between a car and a motorcycle happened at a ‘T or staggered’ junction.
What does all this mean? Expecting car drivers to see you won’t save your life, but perfecting your skills and changing the way you ride could. Give your bike the love it deserves and it’ll help you stay safe on the roads. Spending your weekends polishing and cleaning your bike to within an inch of its life may be a cliché, but if you look after your bike it really will look after you.
Kit yourself out before you set off. On a hot day we’ve all been tempted to leave our protective clothing at home and ride off in a pair of jeans and a Tshirt, but a slide on Tarmac at just 30mph could result in serious injuries. With the right kit, the right skills and the right attitude, there’s no reason why riding can’t be a safe, convenient and enjoyable way to get around.
All of the tips shown here, plus more detailed information on how to stay safe, can be found on the THINK! website. Visit www.dft.gov.uk/think/ for full information.
TOP RIDING TIPS
1. Anticipation. It sounds simple and it is. It’s easy to switch off while
you’re riding, especially when the roads are a little quieter. Always keep
an eye out for the unexpected.
2. Watch your speed. We’re not talking about crawling along at 5mph;
where would the fun be in that? Just make sure you ride at a speed
that gives you enough time to react – especially when it’s wet, foggy
or icy.
3. Positioning. When you’re on the roads it’s crucial you’re seen at
all times. So position yourself in the middle of the lane so cars can
see you.
4. Overtaking. It’s one of the most satisfying things you can do
on your bike, especially in heavy traffic, but make sure you
always look over your shoulder to see what people are doing behind
you. Avoid overtaking on bends or near junctions, and obey the
road markings.
5. Be seen. Wear light or high visibility clothing, even if only partial such as reflective bands or strips, to help other motorists see you.
MAINTENANCE
1. Clean. Giving your bike a spit and polish every weekend not only
keeps it looking great, it also helps you spot any potential problems.
2. Tyres. Keeping your tyres in good nick is absolutely vital because
they seriously affect the handling of your bike. Make sure you check
your tyre pressures on a regular basis and be aware that your tyres
will need adjusting if you’re carrying heavy luggage or even an extra
passenger. In addition, check your tyres for wear – in the UK bikes
over 50cc must have at least 1mm of tyre tread depth across threequarters
of the width of the tread pattern and visible tread on the
remaining quarter. Bikes under 50cc (mopeds) must have clearly
visible grooves across the original tread pattern.
3. Chain. We know the majority of scooters don’t have one, but if your
bike is chain driven, the tension should be adjusted in accordance
with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Keep it lubricated with the
appropriate chain oil and check wear and tear on the sprockets;
they’ll give you a good indication as to whether the chain has been
adjusted correctly.
4. Service. Ensure your bike is regularly serviced to ensure safety
items such as brakes continue to perform at their best.
5. Security. There’s nothing more heart breaking than having a bike
stolen, so always keep it locked to something solid and immovable.
When you’re buying a lock, look for one that’s Thatcham Approved or
Sold Secure. Also be aware that insurance companies may offer you
a discount if you have evidence that your bike is locked up securely.
ESSENTIAL KIT
1. Leathers. Yes, we know most scooter riders go for the textile option, but
there’s no doubt leathers are one of the best forms of protective clothing
you can wear. As well as offering great abrasion protection, in many cases
they’ll have fitted body armour at the back too. Whatever you buy, make
sure it fits correctly.
2. Gloves. Another great form of protection is riding gloves; the thicker the
better. But remember thick gloves will need breaking-in to ensure they give
you enough brake and throttle control. In addition, it’s worth having a
different pair for both summer and winter.
3. Footwear. Most scooter riders don’t wear boots, but again, they offer the
best protection. When choosing boots make sure they’re not too narrow or
too wide.
4. Waterproofs. If you get caught out riding in a downpour, it can be very
uncomfortable, which naturally means your concentration won’t be on the
road. Make sure you always pack lightweight waterproofs in your backpack
or under the pillion seat when you’re heading out.
5. Helmet. The best fitting helmets offer the best protection. When
you’re buying a new helmet make sure you try on various sizes to find
one that fits the unique size and shape of your head. Make sure it
carries a BSI kite mark. Never buy one second-hand and make sure you
replace your helmet at least every five years or after a collision. For
more helmet safety advice visit http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/ Always
fasten your helmet while you’re riding – an unfastened helmet is next
to useless in a collision.
IMPROVE SKILLS & ODDS
The better your riding skills, the better
chance you have of avoiding a collision.
Here are some great organisations that will
help you perfect the way you ride:
• The Driving Standards Agency
• The Motorcycle Rider Training Association
• British Motorcycle Federation
• Royal Society for the Prevention of
Accidents
• The police’s ‘BikeSafe’ programme
No matter how long you’ve been riding, a safety course is a good way to help improve your skills.
ADVICE FROM THE PROFESSIONAL
In support of the THINK! motorcycle safety campaign, three-times BSB champion John Reynolds gives some advice on how to get the best out of your motorcycling:
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR KEEPING YOURSELF SAFE
You should check your bike before each trip out anyway, but make it extra thorough if it’s been parked up for a
couple of months over the winter. The tyre pressures will need topping up, chains may need adjusting, ensure
there’s oil in the engine and enough meat on the brake pads.
Make sure you’ve got the safest kit you can afford. When you’re buying kit, visiting a shop is essential so that
you can try gloves on and get your helmet fitted by a professional. It’s vital that your leathers or textiles fit
properly; if they’re too tight you won’t be able to ride properly and if they’re too loose they won’t offer you the
protection you need if you crash.
GIVE YOUR BIKE THE SKILLS IT DESERVES
An advanced rider training course will enhance your skills – plus the more you ride, the better you’ll become. You
could also book on a BikeSafe course. The police don’t lecture you, they just give you great advice. It’s valuable
having professionals to help and assist you – these guys ride all day every day!
SAVE RACING FOR THE TRACK
When riders are out there on the track they have lots of things to keep them safe. There’s usually a hospital and
an ambulance not more than half a mile away and the track is surrounded by very experienced marshals with
warning flags. You don’t have those reassurances on the road! If you want to take your bike to a racetrack, you
can book on a track day. It gives you the space and time to test your brakes and corner handling etc.
INVEST IN YOURSELF
Ensuring your motorbike is well maintained, as well as having the safest and best fitting gear is essential – but
also invest time in making sure you’re the best motorcyclist you can be. You’ll get more satisfaction and
enjoyment out of it and be safer on the roads too!
