BRIGHTEN UP IN WINTER TO BE SAFER, SAYS BIKESURE
14 November 2005 - Bikesure

Outlook could be brighter for Britain''s ''worst'' road for bikers

In a poll to find Britain''s'' favourite road for bikers there would be many also-rans, but there''s probably one, clear, runaway winner. It''s the ''Cat & Fiddle'' A537 from Macclesfield to Buxton. In eight miles it climbs (and then falls) over a thousand feet. The road''s very remoteness - with no fixed speed cameras and a switchback ride that tests riding skills to the limit - draws riders from all over the UK.

A recent report by EuroRAP also called it Britain''s most dangerous road, although for nearly three years from 2001-4 there were no fatalities and its reputation amongst bikers is improving. They''ve done a good job in recent years of upgrading signs and safety measures. So where''s the danger?

There aren''t any certain figures yet, but it''s not all speed. Specialist motorbike insurer Bikesure says that during the winter months especially there''s one danger above all others, not just on dream bikers'' roads like the Cat & Fiddle, but anywhere.

In a word: visibility.

''If you are biking on roads like that, we believe that absolutely the most important potential life saver is: make sure you can be seen'', says Robert Balls of Bikesure. ''Reports have shown that in half of accidents involving motorbikes, the main error lay with the other driver. And in over 70% of those cases, the other driver''s key error was that, essentially, they didn''t notice the bike,'' he adds.

''We all know the problems of light in winter: not only the lack of it, because of the shorter days, but also the problem of visibility against low winter sun. This particularly applies on the winding road, where you are likely to be in and out of sunlight.
''But it''s a two-way responsibility'', he adds. ''In winter, it''s more vital than ever that bikers do everything they can to make sure other drivers know they are there. It gives the other guy a chance to see you a split second sooner.''

As Bikesure points out, there are a few easy and obvious ways to stay highly visible - but it''s important to remember them every trip.

. In winter, keep your headlight on all the time
. Wear light, bright colours
. Wear a reflective jackets
. Use your horn

''Whatever the conditions out there, night or day, making sure you are as visible as possible is going to make a major contribution to your safety on a bike this winter,'' says Robert Balls.

www.bikesure.co.uk

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