Safe motorcycling
As a motorcyclist you need to think ahead and be aware of the danger around every corner and every turn. Extend your vision, look into the distance – check for vehicles emerging from junctions, commercial premises and driveways.
Bike safely
The road may seem like it stretches out in front of you, but the second any vehicle interrupts your journey, both you and the other road user are in immediate danger.
Approach every bend as if there is someone walking, jogging, cycling, riding a horse or a tractor on the other side. Bike safely.
Hazard awareness
There are all sorts of hazards that you need to be aware of.
Your position on the road
Can you see all you need to and can those that need to see you do so? Don’t think that just because a driver is looking in your direction they have seen you.
Your speed
Whilst speed is not always the direct cause of a crash it definitely makes any crash hurt more.
Consider using your horn
It is there to warn other road users you are there.
Be prepared to stop
Always try to be at a speed which will allow you to stop in the distance you can see to be clear. If you are riding up the road thinking ‘What’s going on up there?’, until the question is answered you should be prepared to stop.
Be proactive in your reactions and be pessimistic about the possible outcome.
People tend to do the same or similar journeys day in and day out, especially if commuting, and that familiarity will breed contempt. Because people have been through a particular junction or section of road a hundred times before they tend to feel ‘safe’ and that makes them switch off. A lot of crashes happen within a few miles of home or people's frequent destinations.
Don’t allow familiarity to reduce your levels of concentration.
Training for motorcyclists
There are many different motorcycle training packages to suit every type of rider. You may be newly qualified or returning to biking after a period of time away from the bike. Even if you’ve been riding for years there’s always something new to learn, a skill to refresh or a bad riding habit to break.
BikeSafe is delivered by police riders. A BikeSafe workshop involves an observed ride with feedback to help you identify your riding strengths and weaknesses.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) offers a number of different training activities.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) offers an advanced motorcycling test.