> Ride UK > Ride Safe

We hate to state the obvious first, but when we see pics of people wearing shorts, t-shirts and trainers on their sportsbikes - we all think they are mad.

Essential Kit

• Crash Helmet (its the law)
• Leathers - either a one piece suit or two piece jacket and trousers
• Boots - ones which will support your ankles, not ones with high heels girls!
• Gloves - preferably leather padded or studded, not wooly ones

Remember - always fasten your lid correctly - it won't help your head if it flies off at impact and your brain meets the tarmac
Remember - Jeans, unless they are special padded motorcycle jeans, will not protect you if you go skidding down the road on your rear at 60mph (or more)
Remember - If you are not wearing boots which will protect your feet and ankles, you could well end up with a foot that is the wrong way around
Remember - You are likely to put your hands to the ground first when you come off your bike, if you are not wearing proper protection, you may not sign your name again.

This may all sound a bit harsh, but accidents DO happen, even if you don't ride like a looney.

Other hartside.com recommended kit

• Back Protector
• SOS Chain, emergency contact numbers on your person.. not under the seat of the bike
• Do not remove stickers on your lid - because you may not be able to speak for yourself
• Crash protectors (to help save your bike not you)

RIDING ON THE ROAD

Don't ride beyond your capabilities to try to impress someone... it wont impress them when you come off. Yea, we all like to show off from time to time, but sorry to be a killjoy - but overtaking blind, and racing into corners is the way to invite an accident. You'll have a far better ride out if you can talk about it afterwards. If you feel tired or hungry stop and take a break. Don't ride your bike if you have been drinking alcohol.
Keep your speed for trackdays, where at least there are trained professionals on hand to assist should you have an accident.
Take an advanced riding course, you'll be surprised at how much better and aware you become. Even if you think you are the best rider out there - you could still benefit from an Advanced Course.

DIESEL - If you've never slipped on the stuff on your bike, then you probably won't understand what all the fuss is about. its quick and its like walking on ice.. infact its worse than walking on ice - because ice melts. Watch out on garage forecourts, roundabouts, bends and junctions. Its usually far worse in built up areas then when your out on your local 'TT' Route.
What to do if you have had an accident on diesel. For any public road other than A roads and Motorways, contact the local council - for A Roads and Motorways you will need to contact the Highways Agency. If they have been aware of the problem/spill then you may be able to make a claim. If they were not and you can not identify who caused the spill, then for injury claims you should contact the Motorist Insurers Bureau - they will be able to help you so long as the accident has been reported to the police.

BE SEEN... Make sure your lights are in working order and free of dirt. Ride with your lights on at all times.
Position yourself in the road so that car drivers will see you, always be on the defence - Don't ride so close to the kerb that cars will go to overtake you when there is only marginal room to do so. Don't ride so close to the centre white line that oncoming vehicles will be threatened by you. Remember the car in front has a blind spot.
Reflective clothing and decals are always a good thing. Brightly coloured clothing will attract attention, you may get ribbed for looking like a Christmas present, but at least you are being noticed.

CARRYING PILLION

This is standard stuff you learn when you learn to ride a bike, but make sure your pillion knows to lean with the bike and not against it. Make sure they are comfortable - don't go at high speeds to impress - the chances are if they are a first time pillion you will scare them witless at 30mph.
Ensure your pillion has good quality kit - They should have a lid that FITS - not a borrowed one that is too big. Leathers and Gloves that FIT and suitable boots. It never ceases to amaze me when I see girls on the back of bikes wearing shoes or boots they have brought in the high street - or worse young lads with trainers and no socks.
Don't forget if you are taking pillion, then it WILL be worth your while to alter your tyre pressures and remember having a pillion will effect your braking so don't be hasty, it will effect your acceleration - so judge gaps allowing more time, and it will effect the handling of your bike.
If you have upped the speeds with a pillion on the back - remember a pillion will come off worse in a get off. Think about them, before you think of yourself.

Nigel Webb, chief executive of the NAAAS, said, "It's a harsh reality that motorcyclists are 24 times more likely than motorists to be killed on the road

WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT

• If the rider/pillion are hurt or unconcious. Do NOT REMOVE their crash helmet.
• If the rider/pillion are hurt, phone 999 for assistance immediately
• Do not leave them if they are hurt. If you do not have a mobile phone flag down a passing vehicle for assistance
• If the rider/pillion are ok, and not hurt in any way, remove any obstructions from the road that may cause further accidents.
• In the event of an oil or petrol spill, phone the police straight away.
• If you intend to make a claim, your insurance company may require that you have notified the police of your accident.
• Do not attempt to ride your bike if it is no longer road worthy.

More than 600 motorcyclists were killed on the country's roads in 2000, an increase of 11 percent from 1999.

MEMBERS ADVICE

FUNKYBANANASKIN
As for safety, after an accident the best tip is not to move or be moved especially if you've been hit fairly hard or had an off pretty hard. Not even to remove helmet, I'm one of these that believes in loud cans (not for performance but safety, if you can be heard your more likely to be seen) also clothing, wear something thats bright (not nessesarily a sam brown, but colourful leathers/helmet), keep your headlights on all the time.
Position on the road is vital/planning ahead and always anticipate the unexpected.

PJP63
Don't buy a bike and assume the last owner has everything set up properly; I know one idiot who rode his about for almost a week before realising they handle much better with more than 14 PSI in the front tyre.

JIF
My big off was cos i was in the pub till 2 in the morning the day before....................dont drink and drive

STEVE
Mine was due to excessive speed on busy roads and anoying the car drivers by going round the outside of the traffic at double the speed limit whilst it was pouring with rain. Never go flying along those white lines in the rain to fast. Ive learnt my lesson.

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