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Motorbike Safety - What You Should Know

The first rule - think.

Riding on today's crowded and busy roads is a dangerous business. And you have to have your brain in gear to avoid being injured.

Don't forget that there are plenty of motorists and pedestrians that are not out there to do you harm on purpose, but are often less observant and cautious than they ought to be.

So, above all, adopt a riding strategy that is based on defense. Always ride as though someone will make a mistake and cause you a problem. Think not only for yourself, but for the person that might just step out into the road in front of you, or pull out of a junction. In other words, expect the unexpected.

And once you've got that firmly lodged into your brain, think about a few specifics.

Don't ride in dark clothing. Make yourself stick out on the road with bright gear and lots of fluorescent and reflective strips. And on the U.K.'s dull roads, think about using dipped-head lamps at all times. And use clothing that can cope with the U.K. climate, keeping you warm and dry, and able to concentrate on the road ahead, not how uncomfortable you feel. Look after your gear as well; especially your helmet, it could save your life one day.

And when it comes to helmets, don't skimp on something which could literally mean the difference between life and death. When you buy a helmet, don't buy secondhand. Also, understand what The Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme (SHARP) means. The more stars, the more protection it offers.

As to your riding style, always make sure you do the basics properly. And one of the important things is your positioning on the road. Basically, don't do anything that a driver, or a pedestrian, doesn't expect. And be obvious about your intentions. If you're turning right, then make sure you're in the middle of the road with plenty of time and warning.

Learn to think ahead when you're riding. See the road ahead of you as a big puzzle that has to be solved. What's around that bend, is that stationary car about to pull off, or will that person step onto the crossing without looking? Try to anticipate trouble - learn to smell it.

Don't forget keep your bike clean and in good nick. It has to be visible and having to stop quickly is not the best time to find out that your brakes need some maintenance.

So. Remember, use your brain when riding, get the right gear and make sure you keep it all ship shape. Don't take chances when your life is literally on the line out there.

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