IN A TIMELY PIECE OF ADVICE that’s equally as relevant to Australia as the UK, road safety and breakdown organisation, GEM Motoring Assist (UK) wants motorcyclists to stay safe when they venture back onto the roads.
It’s particularly relevant to the over-50s, many of whom have rediscovered the joys of motorcycling, whether as daily transport or for a little weekend adrenaline.
Knowing your own limits is a vital component of being a safe, responsible rider, says GEM.
GEM chief executive Neil Worth said: “There’s a lot of satisfaction to be gained from riding a motorcycle with skill and precision. But if you’re riding at speed, there is no margin for error if you – or another road user near you – gets something wrong.”
Of course, motorcycle safety is not just the responsibility of the riders themselves. “We also appeal to drivers and pedestrians to make a special point of looking out for motorcyclists, especially at junctions.”
GEM suggests five simple ‘lifesaver’ safety tips to reduce the risk of being involved in a collision:
- If you’ve had your bike in the garage for a long time, invest in a refresher day with a training professional. Search online for motorcycle training days or consult your local club or advanced motorcyclists’ group.
- Make sure you take time to warm up, especially if you are not a regular rider and not ‘bike fit’.
- Ensure self-preservation is your priority. The predominant cause of motorcycle crashes is the failure of car drivers to detect and recognise motorcycles in traffic. So wear high visibility clothing on all journeys, and ride in a way that gives others a better chance of seeing you.
- Don’t ride beyond your comfort zone, especially if you’re riding in a group. If your friends are cornering too quickly for you, let them go and join them at the next junction.
- Try not to dwell on your errors as you go along. Plan 10 to 15 seconds ahead, anticipate the next hazards. When you stop for a break, reflect on anything that didn’t go to plan, ask what you have learnt and how you can reduce the chance of the same thing happening again.
Finally, GEM is asking all other road users to keep a good look-out for motorcyclists.
“The roads are there for us all to use, so do get into the habit of expecting to see motorcycles on a journey,” added Neil Worth. “It may seem an easy and obvious step, but it has significant potential in terms of helping to reduce motorcyclist injuries.”