Motorcycle Safety

Its rarely a perfect day on the bike (certainly it never happens for riders the way it does in this video), but hopefully this page will point you to some information to help keep you safe, even when it is less than perfect.

Crashes Involving Motorcycles

The table shows how many biker casualties there have been in Thames Valley in the last 3 years; almost exactly half of the crashes concerned were caused by the bike rider, half by others.

Severity	2005	2006	2007
Fatal	26	23	22
Serious	195	223	225
Slight	637	614	566
Total	858	860	813

When on a bigger bike (over 500cc) the risks are very much higher – over 35% of all crashes involving larger bikes result in someone being killed or seriously injured.

It is perhaps not surprising that there is a difference in the types of crashes that riders of different size machines are having. When a rider of a bike no bigger than a 125cc has a crash it is often because they lack experience. On larger bikes it is much more likely to be because of excessive speed, sudden braking, careless or reckless riding. The rider has decided to push the bike, or their abilities, too far.

10 Hints & Tip for Riders

Even on short journeys always wear high quality protective clothing and an approved helmet that fits securely
Anticipate the actions of other road users
Be aware of side roads and farm tracks leading onto the route you are riding
Keep a cool head however much other road users frustrate you
Understand and appreciate how different road surfaces can affect the handling of your bike
Before committing to a manoeuvre always check over your shoulder to see what the traffic is doing behind you
When riding in a group ride for your own enjoyment, not playing a game of chase to keep the group together
Ensure that the bike is serviced by a reputable dealership annually, even if you do under the recommended mileage
Basic checks on the condition of your tyres and brakes are essential before each trip, bearing in mind any extra loads or passengers you may be carrying
Clean your visor before you set off, it will improve your visual awareness