Road safety for bikers

Motorbikes are often cheaper to run and insure than cars, making them extremely popular, especially with younger people aged 17-25.

In 2020 there were 13,600 incidents that involved motorbikes in the UK which resulted in 285 deaths. However, motorbikes can be just as safe as cars if you follow the safety advice:

• Be seen – Ensure you’re wearing bright visible clothing 
• Correct PPE – wearing the correct personal protective clothing will make all the difference to your safety when riding.  
• Distance – maintaining proper distance between yourself and other vehicle is vital.
• Remember, you can’t rely on other road users to keep you safe!

Even if you don’t ride a motorbike, you still have a role to play in keeping motorbike users safe 

• Mirrors and blind spots – Make sure you are checking your mirrors and blind spots when pulling away, changing lanes and performing manoeuvres.  
• Listen out – Motorbikes are loud and will often move through stationary traffic.  
• Keep your distance – Give riders space as this allows everyone to have time to react.

The quick response actions taken in the first few moments after an accident can be crucial in minimising injuries and make the biggest difference to the lives of those involved.

Biker Down is a free training course run by bikers, for bikers, to give you the confidence to respond if faced with an accident. It’s open to all ages, abilities and licence types. The course is delivered by operational firefighters, emergency services personnel and volunteers, who have a passion for motorbiking and improving safety. It offers bikers the chance to learn practical skills to help avoid being involved in a crash, as well as essential first-aid training and advice about what they should do if they find themselves first on scene of a crash.

The FREE three hour course covers:

• Crash Scene Management – delivered by Fire Service Incident Commanders, information is given on how to protect a casualty and other road users who may have stopped, to keep everyone else as safe as possible.
• First Aid for Motorcyclists – Delivered by operational crews and volunteers with a First Aid background. Covering Basic Life Support (CPR), Major Blood loss & Helmet removal.
• The Science of Being Seen – Delivered by an experienced motorcyclist. Looking a little deeper into how you can be as safe as possible when out riding.

The three workshops are delivered over evening or weekend sessions held at Winchester and Basingstoke Fire Station. For the latest information about course dates and locations email bikerdown@hantsfire.gov.uk

IAM Ridesmart Solent

A motorcycling group affiliated to IAM RoadSmart, they have training teams based in the New Forest, Southampton, Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, Winchester, Andover and Portsmouth. Their main aim is to promote safer riding and to equip riders with motorcycling skills for life. Find out more

IAM Thames Vale Advanced Motorcyclists

Thames Vale Advanced Motorcyclists are dedicated to improving riding standards and safety for all motorcyclists in the Thames Valley area. Their aim is to get the most out of motorcycling, enjoy a range of social and biking activities whilst improving our personal safety and riding skills. Find out more.

Bike Safe

Bike Safe is a police led motorcyclist, assessment and referral scheme.The aim of Bike safe is to encourage you to take advantage of accredited post-test training and to encourage positive rider behaviour and attitudes. Find out more.

Enhanced Rider Scheme

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)) enhanced rider scheme checks your motorcycle riding skills and provides training to help you improve. Find out more.

ROSPA Advanced Drivers & Riders

ROSPA provide advanced driving and riding tuition and road safety advice. Find out more.