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Motorcycling

THINK BIKE THINK BIKER

Injuries to motorcyclists are out of proportion to their presence on our roads. Motorcyclists are just 1% of total road traffic, but account for 22% of all road user deaths.

The facts

  • Motorcyclists are 50 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured (KSI) in serious or fatal crashes than car drivers.
  • In 2010 403 motorcyclists died and 4,780 were seriously injured in road collisions in Great Britain. Motorcyclist KSIs have fallen since 2008 when 493 motorcyclists were killed and 5,556 were seriously injured on Britain's roads.
  • In 2009, 50% of motorcycle accidents occurred in collisions involving another vehicle at junctions.

Motorcyclists - The highway codeOpens new window

Safety helmets and protective clothing for motorcyclistsOpens new window

 


THINK! advice for motorcyclists

The roads are getting more crowded, and the pressure is increasing to make sure that you do not put yourself or others at risk. The following tips will help keep you and other road users safe:

Choosing the right helmet could help save your life
The SHARP rating system helps you understand how much protection a helmet offers in a crash.

Visit the SHARP websiteOpens new window
Wear the right gear
Fall off your bike and tarmac will shred through your jeans in seconds. Wearing the right gear is just as important to your safety as servicing your motorcycle and knowing how to ride it.
  • Wear bright or florescent gear during the day and reflective gear at night
  • Bikers must wear a protective jacket, gloves, boots and trousers
Essential guide to protective gear for bikers (.pdf - 421kb)Opens new window
Riding defensively makes you less vulnerable
Make sure you:
  • anticipate the actions of others
  • are alert and observant
  • can slow down and stop if the unexpected happens
  • position yourself in the safest and best place to maximise your visibility of potential hazards
  • take a ‘lifesaver’ glance over your shoulder before carrying out manoeuvres, so you know where others are and what they’re doing

Consider further skills training to improve your performance and safety on the road
Further training is available with different schemes to suit your needs.

Motorcycle Industry Trainers AssociationOpens new window

The DSA’s Enhanced Rider Scheme for motorcyclistsOpens new window

BikeSafeOpens new window

RoSPA - information on driver and rider training coursesOpens new window

Institute of Advanced Motorists information for motorcyclistsOpens new window

THINK! advice for drivers


It might be frustrating at times to see motorcycles weaving in and out of traffic, but a hostile reaction on your part can often make the situation worse. Here are a few simple ways of avoiding crashes with motorcyclists:

Keep your distance
Driving too close can intimidate a less experienced motorcyclist.

Check for bikes when changing lanes
A motorcyclist may be in the space you want to move into, or moving into it fast. Remember your blind spot.

Check for bikes when turning
Parked cars or large vehicles can obstruct your view of a motorcyclist.

Motorcyclists might pass you on either side
Double-check for motorcyclists, whether you're turning left or right.

Check for motorcycles at junctions.
Remember to look carefully for bikes, as it is often difficult to see them when they are coming out of junctions. Always look out for them before you emerge from a junction because they could be approaching faster than you think.

Park safely
Check for motorcyclists before opening your car door - and ensure that your passengers do the same. When you pull away, remember that motorcyclists can be harder to see when they’re approaching than a car would be.


Drivers


Watch Named Riders video

WATCH: THINK! BIKE THINK! BIKER TV advert encourages drivers to look out for motorcyclists.

LISTEN: Listen to THINK! BIKER ads from the following areas

DOWNLOAD: THINK! BIKER poster

Motorcyclists


Watch Perfect Day video

WATCH: Our video shows a perfect motorcycle ride where a rider is warned of hazards on the road before he reaches them. Real life isn’t like this, so riders need to THINK! ahead when they are on the road.

DOWNLOAD:

Compulsory basic training for learner riders:

Bike maintenance advice:

Further training for motorcyclists:

More from THINK!

Drink driving Speed THINK! motorcycling campaign strategyOpens new window


Join in the facebook discussion on motorcycle safety

Visit the THINK! BIKE THINK! BIKER facebook pageOpens new window

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Visit the THINK! shopOpens new window

THINK! Partners

The THINK! motorcycle campaign is supported by a number of partners.

Visit the motorcycle campaign partner page