It’s tragic to know that while motorcycles make up only around 1% of road traffic, in 2021 they accounted for 20% of road fatalities and 12% of road casualties in Great Britain.
To help change these statistics, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) held a National Motorcycle Safety Week from 3-9 April, with the main focus on bike maintenance and PPE in the context of the cost-of-living crisis.
The week aimed to:
- Raise awareness of risks and behaviours which can lead to motorcycle-related fatal and serious injury collisions, particularly poor maintenance, and substandard PPE
- Educate and provide advice to influence positive motorcycle user behaviour and encourage all forms of enhanced rider training
- To increase delivery and attendance at Biker Down and all other motorcycle safety courses currently delivered by fire and rescue services (FRSs) and their partners
There are loads of great resources to access from the week, as well as information about Biker Down courses, at https://www.nationalfirechiefs.org.uk/Biker-Down
Keep an eye on the Biker Down website for details of future events.
RoSPA – the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents – has launched a new campaign to improve riding standards of novice riders and cut the number of crashes on our roads.
Called Skill Up, it’s a free advice hub with everything from advice on how to go from your CBT certificate to a full motorcycle licence, riding skills tips, information on how to prepare and maintain your bike and the right gear to wear.
Find out more at https://www.rospa.com/road-safety/novice-riders-hub
