Motorcycle Rider Development and Safety
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All motorcyclists believe they are a good rider but, in 2021, 20% of all road fatalities in the UK involved a motorcyclist. (Source: Gov.uk)
So why is this happening? The fatal five reasons for deaths on the road are:
1. Not wearing a seatbelt (of course not applicable to motorcyclists, but still important to note)
2. Riding whilst under the influence of drink or drugs
3. Careless or dangerous riding
4. Excess speed
5. Using a mobile phone (even handsfree)
As a motorcyclist there are a number of things we need to do and check in order to prevent any accidents on the road, particularly fatal accidents.
Before setting out on a ride, always ensure your personal protective equipment (PPE) and bike are ready for the ride. This includes ensuring your helmet fits properly, is fastened securely and make sure the visor is kept clean.
All biker clothing needs to fit properly; make sure you fasten the zips, even in hot weather, and wear season appropriate clothing. In terms of your motorcycle, check your tyres, the fluids (leaks and levels) and any wear and tear on the machine itself.
Safe bike control
When out riding, ensure safe bike control, particularly when approaching hazards. Position yourself on the best part of the road (without compromising your safety). Adjust your speed according to the road and ensure you’re in the correct gear for the speed, only applying acceleration when appropriate. Don’t use your gears as brakes as this can upset the balance of the bike and either slow you too much (too low a gear) or not slow you enough (too high a gear).
Hazards on the road
Before you change lane, position or speed, you need to know what is happening in front where you can’t see and also to the sides and to the rear of you. We always need to be actively looking for warnings. Continually assess your route, the view and hazards may be constantly changing. Match your speed to the hazard; consider what you can’t see, not just what you can. Travel at a speed that you can stop safely on your own side of the road. Ride in the position that allows you to negotiate hazards safely and look for the best bit of the road surface where you would like to be.
When can it go wrong?
1. Poor overtaking
Poor overtaking can lead to accidents such as if the rider hasn’t considered that a car may pull out and cross the path of the bike or the car is about to turn right. Good overtaking occurs when you move your position so you can see ahead. If it is clear, accelerate, consider a headlamp warning, and accelerate past the car, gradually regaining position in your lane.
2. Insufficient observations
Poor observations or riding too fast can also lead to having insufficient time to react. By increasing the speed of your bike, you are effectively reducing the amount of time and distance you have to react and respond to events you are travelling into.
In summary, we need to do the following:
· Motorcycle Safety Checks – Do we do them enough?
· Consider your style of riding – Are we safe and smooth?
· Observation techniques – Do we actively try and see everything?
· Hazard perception – To react to it, you must be aware of it.
· The safest method of filtering – Do we have to be in such a rush?
· Going for the overtake – Is it on? Can we make it safely? · Rider training – a decision only you can make; use BikeSafe, RoSPA or IAM.
· If it goes wrong – get specialist legal advice with Potter Rees Dolan, a Hugh James Business.
