Dusting off your motorbike? Take it easy on that first ride
Written by John Williamson on 24/03/2017
Motorcyclists planning to get back on their bikes after a winter break are being encouraged to drive with caution after time out of the saddle.
With winter behind us, the weather improving and Easter ahead, Cumbria’s roads will soon be busy with motorcyclists, some of whom may not have taken their bike out since October or November.
Cumbria Constabulary is urging those riders to be cautious on those first forays out as they reacquaint themselves with their bike and the roads.
Sergeant Claire Sampson of Cumbria Constabulary’s Mobile Support Group said: “As a police motorcyclist I’m only too aware of the implications time out of the saddle can have on your riding and would urge any rider that has had their bike in hibernation for the winter to also remember that riding skills need polishing – not just the paintwork.
“I urge motorcyclists to please take it cautiously, particularly in those first couple of rides after a long break. Take the time to get your eye back in and ride safe.”
Statistics from Think! show that while motorcycles account for only around one per cent of vehicles on the road, motorcyclists account for around 19 per cent of all road user deaths.
Sergeant Sampson said: “As the clocks move forward, it will be great to see more people out enjoying Cumbria for all it has to offer.
“This is a time when motorcyclists traditionally gravitate back to their bikes and the roads are busier than ever with people driving for holidays and trips, children off school and everyone taking advantage of the improved weather.
“Unfortunately, our Mobile Support Group officers deal with the aftermath of serious collisions on too regular a basis. Sadly, we anticipate that this spring and summer there will be collisions involving motorcyclists on our roads. Motorcyclists are far more likely to suffer serious injury from such incidents than those travelling in cars.”
Interested in improving your riding skills? BikeSafe offers workshops throughout the country. Find out more here http://www.bikesafe.co.uk/about/map
The Institute of Advanced Motorists also offers a range of courses to help you improve your riding and driving skills. Find out more here https://www.iamroadsmart.com/courses
