Get an annual ‘skills MOT’ for a safe start to your motorcycling season

The month of April sees national operations by police forces and fire services in an attempt to encourage all riders to put sfatey first on their journeys.

Data from National Highways shows that April is one of the peak months for motorcycle collisions, as better weather returns and many riders are getting their bikes out after an extended winter break.

There were 310 motorcycle fatalities in 2021 (the latest available statistics), a nine per cent increase on the previous year. Bearing in mind that motorcyclists make up less than three per cent of vehicles on the UK’s roads, the disproportionately high figure shows how risky motorcycling can be.

GEM chief executive Neil Worth is encouraging all riders to take any opportunity to boosting their skill – and not to feel under pressure to ride beyond their comfort zone.

“We know 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,” he said.

“That’s why we’re encouraging riders to get a ‘skills MOT’ during the early part of this season, and to make it an essential part of their riding. This could be anything from a brief ride out with a local advanced rider group through to a full-day ‘BikeSafe’ ride with a police observer.

“If you’re riding in a group and it feels too risky, then trust your instincts and hold back for the time being. Developing your skills through training and practice is the way to expand your comfort zone.”

GEM is also urging other road users to make a special point of looking out for motorcyclists, especially at junctions, where around 30 riders are killed or injured every day.

Tips for riders

Follow GEM’s five simple ‘lifesaver’ safety tips and reduce the risk of being involved in a collision:

· If you’ve had your bike in the garage for the winter, use the start of the riding season to 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 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.

The National Fire Chiefs’ Council’s motorcycle safety week runs until Sunday 9 April.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council’s motorcycle safety operation runs from 10 to 16 April.

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GEM Motoring Assist is a members’ motoring and road safety organisation in the UK. Our aim is to keep our members on the move… whether that’s through our breakdown recovery service or our motoring and road safety expertise.

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