Motorcycling

Take longer to look for bikes

Injuries to motorcyclists are out of proportion to their presence on our roads. Motorcyclists are just 1% of total road traffic, but account for 19% of all road user deaths.

The facts

Motorcyclists are 75 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured (KSI) in serious or fatal crashes than car drivers when casualty rates are compared per billion miles travelled.
In 2011 362 motorcyclists died and 5,247 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.

30 motorcyclists are killed or injured every day at junctions

Motorcyclists - The highway codeOpens new window

Safety helmets and protective clothing for motorcyclistsOpens new window

THINK! advice for motorcyclists

The following tips will help keep you and other road users safe.

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

Find out more about training

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 - 421 KB]Opens new window

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 website Opens new window

THINK! advice for drivers

Here are a few simple ways of avoiding crashes with motorcyclists:

THINK! take longer to look for bikes:
Look carefully for motorbikes when you pull out at a junction. If you're approaching a junction, look out for motorcyclists pulling out too.

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.

Park safely
Check for motorcyclists before opening your car door - and ensure that your passengers do the same. When you pull away, remember to look specifically for motorcyclists as they can accelerate faster than cars.

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

Named ridersOpens new window

LISTEN: to THINK BIKER ads

Husband (.wav - 5.4mb)Opens new window

STAY IN CONTROL
This campaign for motorcyclists offers essential riding tips
Training

Join the THINK BIKE THINK BIKER facebook pageOpens new window

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.