Knowing the right speed to ride at is one of the key motorcycling skills.

It's not simply knowing what the speed limit is – though that's always important.

What's more important is knowing that all a speed limit sign does is tell us the MAXIMUM speed we can ride at along a stretch of road. Sometimes, our safest speed may be WELL BELOW the official limit for the road.

Urban roads can be full of nasty surprises. Vehicles turning across us, overtaking vehicles, pedestrians stepping into the road, limited visibility, dodgy tarmac, slippery surfaces and rubbish in the road... the list of potential hazards for a motorcyclist can seem endless.

A 30mph sign may tempt us to ride at that speed but it won't necessarily mean we're safe. In those busy urban environments where there are lots of hazards, let's ease back on the throttle and give ourselves some vital thinking time so we can respond to the challenges ahead.

20mph zones

2omph zones are there for a reason. The limit is imposed on roads where the most vulnerable road users – pedestrians and cyclists – are most likely to interact with bigger, faster vehicles – including motorcycles. 20mph zones help ensure vulnerable road users are kept safe, and also help ease pollution, congestion and inconvenience to local residents.

Stick to the lower limit. Motorcyclists know they are vulnerable road users themselves, so let’s look after those that are even more at risk.

And a reminder… never take risks in busy traffic

Motorbikes, scooters and mopeds are most at risk in busy traffic. Most crashes happen at junctions, usually when we're turning right across traffic and the other party doesn't see us or misjudges their own speed.

Always be cautious on approach to a right turn, remember to check the mirrors – and make a lifesaver look over the shoulder before any manoeuvre, just to doublecheck the coast is clear.