Motorcycle Blog

Lancashires RideSafe BackSafe team are urging city commuters on motorcycles to wrap up this summer in a bid to reduce the number of minor injuries and road traffic collisions.

As congestion increases and fuel prices rise, more commuters and college students are turning to two wheels, but many are still travelling in there usual work clothes as they would in a car, on the bus or using the Metro. Karen Delaney is Communications Manager at Drivesafe, but also works closely with RideSafe BackSafe – an initiative dedicated to highlighting road safety issues for all bikers across the North West – Karen had this advice;-

“Summer may still be struggling to appear, but the temperatures are certainly warm enough to cause some commuters to dress down and on two wheels, this suggests a complacent ‘it won’t happen to me’ attitude.  You have to protect yourself properly; knowing the route and travelling a short distance to work, college or university are not reasons to simply not bother“.

RideSafe BackSafe recommends that all moped, scooter and motorcycle riders wear the proper gloves, boots, jacket and trousers; as well as the mandatory crash helmet and ideally, a back protector as well.

Karen Delaney endorses the advice by saying;-

“We are trying to prevent unnecessary injuries, but wearing the right clothing improves your mind-set for the ride as well. Motorcycle clothing manufacturers now use tough, breathable fabrics, vented panels and a range of other features to keep the rider protected, cool and comfortable. If it is too hot, take your work clothes in a ruck sack or leave them at work or college to change into when you arrive“.     

More information about protective clothing can be found in the Kit Advice section on the new website –www.ridesafebacksafe.co.uk

One of the UK’s most prominent road safety initiatives, dedicated to motorcyclists, has re-launched its website to offer even more information, advice and features.

Lancashire based RideSafe BackSafe is keen to increase its reach across Greater Manchester and the North West; even though the site - www.ridesafebacksafe.co.uk - was already attracting nearly 150,000 hits per month and had more than 5,000 forum members before the re-vamp.

Created as an online community ‘by bikers, for bikers’, the website will now feature advice about protective clothing, rider assessments, training options and quick tips for safer road riding. Anyone thinking about getting their first moped or scooter can visit the dedicated Young Rider pages for information about taking the CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) and developing their skills. The site will also provide contacts for bike clubs in the North West, information about regional events, regular competitions and special offers. A new feature will put the spotlight on the RideSafe BackSafe Ambassadors, such as John McGuinness and Maria Costello, as well as interviews with other celebrities from the motorcycling world.

Bikers will also be able to ‘meet’ each other on the forum, post their own images on the gallery and ask questions of the RideSafe BackSafe team.