Safety Hub

Motorcyclists

From protective personal equipment to general road safety, there's considerations all motorcyclists should have when on the road.
British Sign Language video for this safety page
Safety Category:

Some of the most common reasons for collisions involving motorbikes include:

Bends on country roads – reduce your speed before the bend so you have more room to manoeuvre

Junctions – this can be down to a driver failing to give way, to stop or misjudging your speed. Always anticipate and consider how you would deal with a vehicle unexpectedly pulling out in front of you.

Overtaking – overtaking requires skill, judgement and a good knowledge of your bike’s acceleration capacity. Snap decisions to overtake can be dangerous. Don’t overtake when approaching bends, junctions, lay-bys, crossings, hills or dips in the road or where signs/road markings prohibit you from doing so.

Loss of control – mainly due to two reasons: shunts, caused by riding too close to the vehicle in front, or the vehicle behind you being too close; failing to adjust your riding to deal with the different road conditions.

For more detailed advice on motorcycle safety, visit Brake charity.

Biker down logo
Whatever your age or riding experience, everyone can benefit from extra training to improve their safety on the road. It can improve skills, refresh knowledge and boost confidence.

We offer a FREE three-hour ‘Biker Down’ course on accident scene management, first aid for motorcyclists and the science of being seen. Find out more about Biker Down in the West Midlands.

Personal protective equipment

Wearing high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) when riding will reduce the risk of you being killed or seriously injured on the road.

This ‘Essential Guide to Protective Gear for Bikers’ is a really useful resource produce by Think!

Other related safety topics

E-bikes

Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are motor-assisted pedal cycles that look similar to conventional bicycles. Follow our guidance on using and charging them safely.
An e-bike with a cyclist on it, showing only their legs.

Child car seats

There are laws and guidelines around child car seats which you should follow to stay safe.
A child car seat in the back of a car

Pedestrians

Our pedestrian safety gives tips, particularly for parents, on how to keep you and your child safe when on foot.
A green man showing on traffic light signal

E-scooters, hoverboards and similar devices

E-scooters, hoverboards, motorised unicycles and similar devices like Segways can only be used on private land. Find out how to use and maintain them safely.
A black e-scooter parked next to a fence

Tyre safety

The depth of tread on your tyres is critical when it comes to accelerating, braking, steering and cornering – especially when the roads are wet.
Numerous tyres stacked next to each other

Driving safety

Road traffic accidents can happen more easily than you think. By following our simple guidance, you can keep yourself safe while driving.
A woman driving a car, only arms and steering wheel are visible

Services we offer related to Motorcyclists

Operation Hercules

Operation Hercules is a West Midlands Police led initiative, working with partners such as West Midlands Fire Service and local councils to address car cruising and street racing.
A sports car speeding down a road

Biker Down

Biker Down is a free scene safety and first aid course given to individuals and groups organised by our Road Casualty Reduction Team.
Road Casualty Reduction Team van with our fire bike parked in front of it.
Report

website issue
Contact us
Language

Translation

Choose your language

linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram