Advice for motorbike & scooter riders

Advice for motorbike and scooter riders

Before you set off

If your motorbike has been off the road over the winter period, you are new to riding or are returning to riding after time away, always ensure that your motorbike is in good working order before you set off for your first ride.

The acronym POWDERS is a helpful reminder of the essentials you need to regularly check before using your motorbike. We’d also encourage you to get your motorbike serviced by a professional at regular intervals.

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Consider that your skills will be rusty if you’ve had time away. Even just a few months can lead to skill fade, so it can take time to fully regain these.

Take a few rides to get back into it in your own time, away from the pressure of trying to keep up with others.

BikeSafe training can help to rebuild your confidence on the road through an observed ride.

The right kit

It might seem expensive, but your protective kit can sometimes be the difference between life and death in the event of a collision.

You are legally required to wear a protective helmet to ride or be a pillion passenger on a motorbike. This must meet certain safety standards: UNECE Regulation 22.05 or 22.06, or the British Standard BS 6658:1985 which carries the BSI Kitemark.

It’s also recommended that you wear:

Consider the colour of your clothing too, as fluorescent or reflective clothing can make you easier to see.

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Tips for danger spots on the roads

Junctions, roundabouts, bends and filtering through rush hour traffic are all situations where you face increased risk on a motorbike.

No matter your experience level, it’s important to continue to practice observation (mirrors and blind spot), signal, manoeuvre, for every ride as many collisions relate to poor observation.

Be aware that other road users may not see you, especially in high traffic areas. It can help to use dipped headlights even in daylight.

Local skill building opportunities

There are different training opportunities available locally to help you build your skills and safety on the road:

Pre-CBT: This online course is suitable for anyone aged 16 to 25 who is planning to take their Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). Completion of the Pre-CBT course gives you the opportunity to apply for £50 off the cost of your CBT (subject to availability).

BikeSafe: This day course led by officers is a mixture of classroom-based advice for safer riding and an observed ride.

BikeSense: This day course is delivered as either a 1:1 or 2:1 observed ride with an instructor to help you build your skills as a rider. We would encourage attending this after BikeSafe to progress your skills.