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Motorbike safety

Giving some serious thought about motorbike safety will help keep you safe. And just in case that sounds a bit glib, remember that roughly 600 motorcyclists are killed every year and some 6,000 are seriously injured.

So, here follows ten tips to help keep yourself away from casualty.

Firstly, and this cannot be stressed enough, ride defensively. Okay, that doesn't mean carrying a heat seeking missile system on the handlebars, it means thinking for the other guy, especially the car driver who looks, but doesn't see you. Most motorbike accidents are caused by careless car drivers. Just because a car driver should do something, don't expect him to do it. Think idiot, think safe.

Secondly, brush up on technique. Once you've passed your test, it doesn't mean you know everything. Life is all about learning. Good riders evolve, they don't suddenly appear. Learning how motorbikes work, their stress points, their tolerances and their potential, is a sensible strategy. Learn how to control the bike in all conditions, at all speeds - make sure, like professional riders, you know every inch and every habit of your bike.

Tip three, and this comes from the defensive riding idea, ride intelligently. Think about the road position opening up in front of you. You see a country road, trees on both sides, it's a quiet Sunday afternoon, good weather and you can open her up a bit, but there's a wide bend to the left coming up. Do a quick brain scan. Think what might lie ahead. It's good visibility, but what lurks around that bend, keep an eye open for oil, fuel spills and White Van Man screaming towards you around the corner, overtaking the slow-moving tractor.

Tip four attitude. Riding a motorbike can be one of lifes best experiences. It's a challenge, it's freedom, a statement about you. But one fingered gestures, pulling aggressive wheelies and kicking parts of the car who's just cut you up, will lead to trouble. As said when talking about defensive riding - the other guy is a plonker and that's his problem. Look down on them, pity them and ride away as you enjoy the freedom of your motorbike.

Tip five, don't forget the bike, your trusty steed. Right, simple mindset: check your bike regularly for problems. Discipline yourself before each ride to take a quick look at the tyres and then a quick test of the brakes when you've started the engine. Then, on a rest day, do a quick check of the other vital bits, including: oil, coolants, brake fluid, chain, nuts and bolts, and lights.

Tip six, clothing. Get the most expensive and best fitting helmet you can afford and make sure you wear appropriate and visible clothing. The Darth Vader look might seem a neat idea, but when no-one can see you on a winter's evening, it's not so clever.

Tip seven, weather. Seasons differ, conditions differ, but for many motorists and bike riders, this comes as a surprise. Be aware of the weather and how that should affect your riding style.

Tip eight, road signs. There's no excuse not to brush up occasionally on your highway code. New signs do appear; old ones get updated and the less familiar ones might give you a shock one day.

Tip nine, fellow riders. Respect. These guys love what you do, riding a bike. If you see a fellow biker in trouble, help out if you can. And be courteous when riding as a group. Don't cause the old boy in the Morris Minor a cardiac when you and the boys overtake at speed.

And finally, tip ten, courses. This country is blessed with people and organisations who offer advice and courses on how to be a better rider, and stay alive. They exist, so use them.

Motorbike safety - give it some serious thought.


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