All road users face a degree of risk. But statistically, it’s motorcyclists who are likeliest to run into trouble. Data from the Office for National Statistics suggests that 315 motorcyclists were killed in Great Britain in 2023, while a further 5,841 were seriously injured. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than other road users for a variety of reasons. They’re less visible than other road users, and thus more likely to be overlooked. They’re also less protected, and more susceptible to injury in the event of a collision due to their exposed nature.
If you’re riding a motorcycle frequently, then you’ll want to minimise your chances of suffering a problem. There are a few effective safety precautions worth taking each time you get on your bike. Let’s take a look at some of the more effective ones to help you stay safe whilst out on the roads.
Wear the Right Gear – All the Time
Motorcyclists should wear the appropriate protective equipment whenever they head out onto the road. This goes for every single ride – even if you’re only popping around the corner. It’s a legal requirement that you wear a helmet that meets British safety standards, including BS 6658:1985. The only exceptions are for religious garments, like Sikhs wearing turbans.
Of course, safety isn’t just a matter of adhering to the law. Some helmets perform better than others. To pick the best helmet for you, measure the circumference of your head as accurately as possible, seek help from family or a friend if needed, and then try on a selection of different helmets to see which fits the best. Helmets come in three main styles: full-face; modular; and open-face. Consult with fellow riders and professionals to discover which style is most suited to you, and ensure no matter the style that the helmet fits snugly on your head.
Additional gear, like leathers, will offer more protection in the event of a crash. Even in warmer weather, it’s crucial to give yourself the thick, protective layer that leathers provide in order to limit the risk of road rash and abrasions. Gloves, jackets, trousers and boots can also make a difference, ensuring any part of you that comes into contact with the road has a better chance of coming out unscathed.
Understand the Legal Requirements
You’ll need to be legally qualified to ride a motorcycle. There are different age and test requirements to think about, depending on the category of bike you intend to ride. Sixteen-year-olds can ride mopeds with ‘L’ plates, while seventeen-year-olds can ride a motorcycle up to 125cc. This is a so-called ‘A1’ license. Then there’s ‘A2’, which is available to nineteen-year-olds, and the full license (category ‘A’), which is available progressively from twenty-one, and directly from twenty-four.
When it comes to having passengers, it’s important to remember that they must also be wearing a protective helmet. Remember that you should only have passengers if your motorcycle is designed to accommodate this, and there should never be more than one at a time. To keep yourself and your passenger safe make sure they’re facing forward with both feet on the footrests at all times throughout the journey.
Fail to comply with the rules around motorcycle use, and you could be fined heavily, or even banned from driving. Special attention must be paid to any trailer you’re pulling, and sidecars.
Know What to Do After an Accident
If you’ve been involved in an accident, it’s vital that you know how to quickly, but correctly, respond. Turn off your engine and safely dismount your bike before making any decisions. Check any affected people for injuries, and call the emergency services where appropriate. Make sure that the area is safe before you try to help anyone. This might mean putting a warning triangle on the road or helping to move injured people to the side. You might also seek to gather witness statements on your phone. This might be helpful, should you choose to pursue a motorcycle accident claim in the courts.
Master Essential Riding Techniques
Riding a motorcycle is a skill–or rather, a whole range of skills-that should be developed continually. Think about how you’ll apply new knowledge and principles to every ride, and think about how you could have performed better. Techniques like manual handling, slalom, and cornering, as well as soft skills like observation and communication, are critical if you want your time in the saddle to be as safe – and enjoyable – as can be.