Motorcyclists
As a motorcyclist you are more vulnerable than car drivers. You therefore need to 'ride defensively' and try to anticipate the actions of other road users.
Investigation of accidents involving motorcycles and mopeds in Nottinghamshire has shown there are three main causes of accidents:
- Motorcycles losing control at a left or right hand bend - such as entering it too fast and not being able to handle the bike
- Other vehicles failing to see a motorcycle when making a right hand turn
- Motorcycles overtaking and filtering past turning vehicles
You can help minimise your risk of accident by looking at the links below.
Get yourself seen
Here are a few are easy ways to help drivers and other riders see you:
- use dipped headlights, even in daylight
- wear a white or brightly coloured helmet
- wear bright clothing, ideally fluorescent during the day and reflective at night
- adopt the appropriate position on the road
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Check your speed
When people pull out in front of you it may not be because they haven't seen you, but because you were going a lot faster than they expected. The average car driver has no idea whatsoever of the performance of a modern bike.
Always ride at speeds that will enable you to slow down and stop in good time - especially when entering bends, coming up to junctions or overtaking. Remember to take special care in wet, foggy or icy conditions, as it takes a lot longer distance to stop and the road conditions may be slippery.
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Clothing
Having the right clothing, which protects you from the weather, will make you feel more comfortable and allow you to focus on your riding.
As well as wearing bright clothing that helps you to be seen, you should also make sure that it's appropriate. Appropriate means:
- an approved helmet that fits securely - and is fastened up. Always replace it if you think it's damaged. Also make sure that your visor is not dirty or scratched and don't wear a tinted visor or goggles at night
- good clothing - meaning jacket, trousers, boots and gloves - even in summer. The best clothing to wear is CE safety standard marked and can help protect you from getting hurt if you come off.
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Get the most out of your bike
It doesn't matter if you are fairly new to riding, have been riding for years, or if you have just come back to biking - what you need is up to date bike handling skills so that you ride more safely and get more out of your bike.
The best way to do this is to learn from someone who spends all day, every day, on their bike. Someone who knows every trick in the book and who knows how to pass that knowledge on to others. Your friends probably aren't the best people to learn from, get advice from professional instructors.
While Nottinghamshire County Council does not endorse any instructors, the Driving Standards Agency hold details of approved motorcycle instructors in your area on the Driving Standards Agency website. Or you can phone them on 0115 901 2500 for the details.
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The shiny side up partnership
The shiny side up partnership started in mid-2001 in response to a significant increase in fatal crashes involving sports bike riders in Nottinghamshire.
The partnership is now made up of the following road safety practitioners in the East Midlands:
Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, Northamptonshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottinghamshire Police, and Rutland County Council.
The aim of the Partnership is to reduce the number of motorcyclists killed or injured on East Midlands' roads.
The shiny side up partnership has produced a number of resources, and promoted a range of events to engage the interest of sports bike riders. The campaign addresses the attitude and behaviour of the sports bike rider rather than promoting training. They also produce a free newsletter. To find out more, visit www.multiprint.uk.com/shinysideup
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