LOUD BIKERS ARE ALLOWED
23 January 2008 - Ride Safe Back Safe

Lancashire’s RideSafe BackSafe team are urging bikers to give themselves a chance to be seen during the darkest nights and worst weather and also urging other road users to leave them room to manoeuvre.

Many collisions involving motorcycles and scooters are attributed to a lack of concentration or poor observation, where the first apology at the scene is “sorry mate, I didn’t see you”. But although it is often other road users at fault, those on two wheels need to take responsibility for there own well-being, as RideSafe BackSafe team member, Shelby Williams explains;-

“ At this time of year, it can be dark during the rush hour to and from work and visibility is made even worse by wet or foggy conditions. All bikers need to make a routine assessment of there personal safety before they hop on and ride off. - Do all of my lights work? Check. Are my sidelights or headlights switched on for the journey? Check. Am I suitably dressed? Check. In addition, bikers need to wear something bright all of the time; it doesn’t matter whether it is a hi-vis bib or a race replica helmet in loud colours “.

The need to be seen at night is even more important, as Shelby continues;-

“ Bright colours won’t work as well at night, wearing the right protective clothing should be a part of biking, but make sure that your kit has reflective badges, patches or detail that tell everyone that you are there. When you are less than three feet wide and one tenth the size of any other vehicle on the road, the threat of being over-looked is constant “.

Shelby is also a Road Safety Advisor to Lancashire Police and has this advice for other road users;-

“ All road users need to understand why bikers move from side to side in there lane. Bikers are taught to ‘equalise risk’ by positioning themselves, for example, so as to maintain a safe distance from both oncoming traffic and parked cars that can throw open a drivers door without looking. Maximizing vision ahead, avoiding manhole covers and being seen in the mirrors of vehicles in front can all cause bikes to drift left and right. This is an essential and yet often criticised riding technique. In a car, van or lorry, you don’t have to worry too much about losing your balance or tyre grip when passing over greasy road markings or pot holes full of water, bikers do “.

Observation, anticipation and consideration are prerequisite for all road users, but Lancashire’s RideSafe BackSafe team are hoping that a better appreciation of motorcycle and scooter riding techniques will help to significantly reduce casualties in the area.

www.ridesafebacksafe.co.uk

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