Be a safer rider

Published: 09:34AM Aug 9th, 2010
By: Mau Spencer

World Superbike racer Shane Byrne is urging riders to try an advanced riding course during their season this year to improve their two-wheeled skills. Riders are on the road but, as the latest statistics prove, this shouldn't mean more injuries and Shakey says that an advanced riding course can sharpen up your roadcraft and hazard perception skills to ensure a long, safe biking season.

The latest figures from the Department of Transport show that despite an increasing number of motorcycle miles travelled, the number of casualties and fatalities has actually decreased – showing that more miles travelled doesn't mean more accidents. This was the trend until 2002, but in 2009 - despite a 2% increase in motorcycle traffic – the number of both motorcycle casualties and fatalities both fell compared to the previous year. The numbers reported as seriously injured fell by 4% to 5350 while the number of fatalities also fell by 4% to 472.

It has been proven that initiatives undertaken by local police forces and councils around the UK – such as the national BikeSafe scheme – can make a big difference in helping to sharpen up skills. Prices for such courses can be as low as £30-£50, depending on the area or length of the course.