The best way to become a safer rider would be to take an advanced riding course, such as Bikesafe. A full assessment of your riding will be carried out by advanced police riders, and further training options will be provided if necessary.

 

Be cautious at junctions. In our experience most accidents occur mainly in built up areas. When approaching junctions, crossroads, T-junctions, roundabouts, traffic lights or even private driveways, always adjust your speed accordingly depending on how clear you can see it to be. If it is ‘wide open’, then a slight reduction in speed may be all that is required. To the other extreme, at a badly concealed junction with traffic approaching, you may have to brake and change down a gear or two. This will prepare you for vehicles pulling out in front of you.

 

Beware of diesel on roundabouts. Usually on the approach to a roundabout, where diesel has been spilled from a fuel tank, the first indication will be the smell. Diesel will lie on the road surface, and will spread towards the left hand side around the centre lane of the roundabout. Always consider other traffic first. If you are turning left, keep as close to the nearest kerb as possible. When going straight ahead or turning right keep as close to the centre island as possible crossing the spillage at right angles. Keep your speed as low as possible, without braking.

 

Keep your visor in good condition. You rely on your it to see where you’re going! Always use plenty of water to wash the dirt and debris off, this will keep scratching to a minimum. Then use a good quality visor cleaner to help the rain run off, and improve visibility. Don’t get caught out on a wet night with a scratched visor, as all your vision will be severely restricted as vehicles approach with their headlights on.

Wear sensible protective clothing. Trainers and t-shirts are not sufficient, they will not protect you from flying debris, let alone the road surface if you are unlucky enough to have a fall. Think how many chipped and broken car windscreens you see, the stones that cause these could also hit you.

 

Stay visible. Don’t assume that other road users have seen you, most will not be as bike aware as a motorcyclist. Make sure that you aren’t riding in a vehicles blind spot, and that you are clearly visible in their mirrors.

 

Stay responsive. On a wet surface, previously unnoticed hazards such as drain covers, road repairs and jointing or overbinding can get slippery. The bike may ‘step out’ slightly when they are ridden over. A novice rider may be tempted to brake, but this will only make things worse. Relax, and loosen your grip on the handlebars right from the start of the journey. This will reduce the chance of a slight slip ending in an accident.

Concentration is the key to enjoyable, safe riding. While you’re riding your machine make the most of it, allow your skills, which will come with experience, to build your confidence. The more confidence you have, the more you will enjoy it, and the better your riding will become.

Thanks to Bikesafe Essex for their contribution to this article.