motorcyclists
What makes motorcyclists more vulnerable?
The South West is a very popular area with motorcyclists due to the tourism trade and the stunning country and seaside roads.
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users – both nationally and in Devon & Cornwall. Despite making up just 1% of road traffic, motorcyclists account for almost a quarter of those killed and seriously injured on our roads.
Like many vulnerable, motorcyclists lack the protection of a metal box and as with cyclists can be more affected by road conditions and harder to see. This leaves them particularly vulnerable and susceptible to serious life changing injuries or worse in the event of a collision.
Road users who pose the most risk to motorcyclists – such as cars, vans and lorries – have a responsibility to reduce the danger they pose.
On this page you can find two great digital magazines – one for new riders and one for experienced bikers – as well as lots of helpful safety information.
of serious injuries and deaths on the roads are accounted for by Motorcyclists, even though they only make up roughly 1% of all road traffic.
of motorcycle fatalities occur on rural roads
of motorcycle casualties are male
What Training Is Available To Motorcyclists In Devon & Cornwall
LEAD ORGANISATION : Cornwall Council
TARGET AUDIENCE : 16+
WHAT IS IT? : Pre-CBT motorbike training delivered in five e-learning modules. Covers practical advice, hazard perception and how to deal with other road users.
COURSE COST : Free
LEAD ORGANISATION : Devon & Cornwall Police, DocBike and Devon Advanced Riders (DAM)
TARGET AUDIENCE : 16+
WHAT IS IT? : A one-day course combining an adapted young rider version of BikeSafe with practical sessions on basic motorcycle maintenance, safe riding and core riding techniques. Covering the importance of protective kit and how to choose the right equipment, basic first aid, motorcycle simulator time, slow-speed skills with DAM, a slow race and observed riding with a police motorcyclist.
COURSE COST : Free
LEAD ORGANISATION : Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service & Devon & Cornwall Police
TARGET AUDIENCE : 16+
WHAT IS IT? : Post-CBT motorbike training for young riders. An hour-long input for college-aged riders. Classroom input around hazard perception, correct PPE and motorcycle maintenance. Training with our Motorcycle simulator or our Crash Bike trailer can be included where available, should the college etc have the time and space.
COURSE COST : Free
LEAD ORGANISATION : Devon & Cornwall Police.
TARGET AUDIENCE : 125cc+ Riders
WHAT IS IT? : Day-long advanced riding course with professional police motorcyclists. The morning classroom session looks at techniques and Road-craft, while the afternoon session takes the form of an observed ride out.
COURSE COST : £65.00
LEAD ORGANISATION : National Fire Service lead intervention
TARGET AUDIENCE : Motorcyclists of any age
WHAT IS IT? : 3-4 hours of training, providing the motorcyclist with vital skills to assist another rider at the roadside.
It includes scene management, first aid and the science of being seen.
Scene management - We'll teach you practical skills to safely manage a situation in the event of a road traffic collision.
First aid - You'll learn emergency first aid and hands-only CPR to keep motorcyclists safe. How to handle instances of severe bleeding, appropriate helmet removal and how to spot and deal with cardiac arrest.
The science of being seen/thinking biker - We share the latest techniques to enable bikers to be seen by other motorists and importantly, why they often don’t.
Participants will also receive a first aid kit specially designed for motorcyclists.
COURSE COST : FREE
LEAD ORGANISATION : RoSPA Affiliated Groups Across Devon & Cornwall
TARGET AUDIENCE : All Bikers
WHAT IS IT? : RoSPA’s four-day advanced motorcycle training teaches safe, responsible, and skilled riding techniques, while preparing participants for the nationally recognised Advanced Motorcycle Test. For costs, offers, and details, please contact your local group.
COURSE COST : FREE
LEAD ORGANISATION : IAM Affiliated Groups In Plymouth And All Across Devon & Cornwall.
TARGET AUDIENCE : 16+
WHAT IS IT? : The Advanced Rider course provides motorcyclists additional knowledge and skills to make on-road experiences safer and more fulfilling. Please note that below pricing is approximate for the full course, but it's worth checking with each group.
COURSE COST : £225.00
useful resources
We also worked with the Cabinet Office’s Behavioural Science team to develop our ‘Stories From The Other Side Of The Road’ campaign – a series of videos telling the real life stories of bikers from across Devon & Cornwall.
The first video was headed up by TV presenter and legendary biker Henry Cole, followed by members of the public. Below you can see all the videos produced for this series:
Henry reads Jason’s story
Mike reads Sean’s story
Ria reads Matthew’s story
Additional Reading
Below are two great publications focused on the fun and freedom of motorcycling. First Bike is designed for young riders who are new to the game and plan to take their CBT, while RideOn is aimed at more experienced motorcyclists looking to progress and be the best on two wheels they can be. Both contain useful hints, tips and guidance on safety, what kind of gear you’ll need, what to look for when choosing a motorbike and what to do in the event of a collision.
RideOn
FirstBike
useful FAQs
What sort of helmet should I look for?
An approved helmet that fits securely is a must. If it is damaged in anyway then it should be replaced. Choosing a white or brightly coloured helmet will help you be seen. SHARP is a really good website site that provides advice on how to select a helmet that fits correctly and is comfortable.
Make sure your visor isn’t dirty or scratched and remember not to wear a tinted visor or goggles at night. Use a visor with ‘anti fogging’ or ‘mist retardant’ properties and carry a visor cleaner and cloth with you at all times.
What’s the best clothing for motorcycling?
Clothing that is worn by a motorcyclist should be visible to other road users, keep you warm and dry and be protective should you be involved in a collision.
Good quality jacket and trousers are essential to help with protection (the best is CE marked) if involved in a collision. Wearing layers under the jacket and trousers helps keeps you warm and dry, particularly if the layer below the jacket and trousers is wind-proof.
Good quality gloves are a must and thermal lined gloves are great if cold/windy. A balaclava under your helmet will help with the wind and cold too. Some bikes have heated grips, but if not ‘hot grips’ can be added to help your hands stay warm.
Help other road users to see you not just at night but during the day too. Wear fluorescent clothing during the day and when dark make sure you are wearing hi-viz/reflective clothing.
What can I do to be a safer motorcyclist?
- Always wear a good quality, well-fitted helmet which is fastened correctly
- Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as a jacket, trousers, boots, gloves and an air vest
- Wear bright or reflective clothing in low-light conditions – Is it just in low light?
- Watch your speed – the faster you go, the less time there is to react
- Take extra care overtaking and when filtering through traffic
- Check the roadworthiness of the bike (see: ‘Before I ride, what should I check on my motorcycle?’)
Before I ride what should I check on my motorcycle?
Check your lights – as they aren’t just needed for you to see the road ahead during the hours of darkness, but also for other road users to see you. If you don’t have someone with you to help you check your rear lights, then reverse up to a wall to see the reflection.
Washing the lights will help to get rid of any dirt and keep them tip-top. Having a spare set of bulbs with you is always a good idea too!
Check your fuel, oil, and tyre pressures and have a look for any damage for example to the chain (does the chain need any lube?), check the throttle grip, footrests and whether the brake levers and dampers are working.
Other information can be found at Motorcycle safety checks to make before riding | Haynes Publishing
What is a CRASH card and how do I get one?
The CRASH card has details of the rider’s age, medical background and any medication they are taking and has been designed to be kept in the lining of a motorcyclist’s helmet and is the size of a bank card.
On one side it has the mnemonic C-R-A-S-H that guides you through what to do at the scene of a collision. Welcome to Crash Card UK.
To claim your CRASH card, please send a Stamped Addressed Envelope (A5) to:
CRASH CARDS
c/o Fire Bikes
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service
Road Safety Team
The Knowle
Clyst St George
Exeter
EX3 0NW
There are also apps available that not only keeps medical details but also crash detection for example: RealRider and Triumph SOS.
You may also be interested in attending the Biker Down Course which provides training in essential skills if you are at the scene of a Road Traffic Collision. Biker Down – Would You Know What To Do?
I’m thinking of doing /just completed my CBT, is there anything I can do to further my knowledge?
Yes, Ridefree is a free online training course that moped and motorcycle riders should complete before taking their CBT course. It has been developed by DVSA, National Highways and other partners to help new riders prepare for a lifetime of safe riding.
The New Rider Hub is also a really useful site offering a huge amount of advice. It also offers a point of contact if you have any specific questions or advice regarding motorcycling. Home – New Rider Hub
I would like to improve my motorcycling skills. Are there any courses you can recommend?
Yes! There are a number of courses available, for example:
- Bikesafe is a national police run motorcycle initiative. Further information can be found here. If you would like to book onto a Bikesafe course, this can be done via http://www.bikesafe.co.uk/
- Biker Down Biker Down – Would You Know What To Do? Is a free course which consists of 3 modules (scene management, first aid and ‘The Thinking Biker’) which are delivered over a 3-4 hour session. The idea is teach motorcyclists essential life- skills to keep you and other motorcyclists safe on the roads and the knowledge (based on operational fire-fighters training) to help them cope should they encounter or be involved in a road traffic collision.
- IAM – RoadSmart Advanced Rider Course https://www.iamroadsmart.com/courses/advanced-rider pairs you with a highly skilled observer to provide additional knowledge and skills.
- ROSPA offer a number of different training courses that can be found here; https://www.rospa.com/safety-training/on-road/motorcycle-training-courses.
- New Rider Hub – offers a huge amount of resource to support new bikers Home – New Rider Hub
- Enhanced Rider Scheme is a DVSA scheme aimed at developing motorcycling skills to become a safer rider. It is suitable if you have just passed your test, are returning to riding after a break, are upgrading t a more powerful motorcycle or you want to check you riding standard DVSA enhanced rider scheme assessment and training
- The Elite Rider Hub summarises some of rider training schemes available in the UK if you have a full licence Elite Rider Training | Riders Make You Safer (eliteriderhub.co.uk)
Do you have any hints/tips for motorcycle maintenance?
How should I drive around motorcyclists?
- Give motorcyclists the time and room they need, especially when overtaking
- Always check your mirrors and blind spots carefully for motorcyclists, particularly when pulling out at junctions and roundabouts
- Use caution when opening your vehicle door in areas with heavy traffic
Please be aware that the number of motorcyclists on Devon & Cornwall’s roads tend to increase in the summer months due to the better weather and tourism trade.
Where can I find more helpful safety tips?
Have a look at the sections below for more details about how to keep yourself safe on Devon & Cornwall’s roads.
Tips And Advice For New Motorcycle Riders – Getting Started
I’ve seen ‘Shiny Side up’ posters on the road – what are they?
Shiny side up means to keep the rubber on the road. The posters have been put up along roads where there have been high numbers of motorcycle collisions (high harm routes). They signs are temporary and messages vary dependent on the types of collisions that have previously been recorded. They are designed to raise awareness of the presence of motorcyclists to other motorists and also highlight dangers to riders. https://shinysideup.co.uk/