Getting back in the saddle?

With weather conditions improving and winter coming to an end, South Wales Police is reminding bikers about fundamental safety information on riding a motorcycle.

As the summer marches closer and closer many biking enthusiasts take this time to think about the journeys they can go on in the summer sun. However with 8 people sadly losing their lives riding a motorcycle on the roads of South Wales last year and a further 73 serious injured, it is important that bikers are aware of the risk attached to being a biker but also what they can do to prevent tragedy.

Martin Stone, Chief Inspector at South Wales Police said:
“Last year in South Wales saw its fair share in motorcycle fatalities. Being seriously injured or worse can happen to any biker, no matter the age, power or make of the bike. It is important that motorcycle owners are ready and able to use their bike safely.”

“Commencing Friday 25th March 2016 and running through until the Autumn South Wales Police will be supporting Operation Darwen. The operation is aimed at ensuring motorcycle safety in the aim to reduce casualties on the roads of South Wales.

Robert Gwynne Thomas, Inspector at South Wales Police said:

“Those first couple of weeks back in the saddle are when bikers are most vulnerable, so it’s worth taking it easy for a while and getting used to your bike again. Thoroughly check your bike before you go out to make sure it is still roadworthy by undertaking the POWER test.

“The POWER test is an acronym that will help ensure that your bike is in top condition every time you ride.
• Petrol, have you got enough fuel for your ride?
• Oil, have you checked the engine oil levels as well as brake, coolant and clutch fluid levels and make sure there are no leaks?
• Water, have you checked to make sure the water reservoir is at the correct level?
• Electrics, are all the lights working properly? Look at the headlights, brake lights and indicators. Make sure the horn works and that instrument warning lights come on and go off.
• Rubber, have you checked your tyre pressures and tread depth? Look for wear, cuts and stones or other foreign bodies embedded in the tread.

“Riders should always wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), it is one of the most effective ways for riders to protect themselves. Take it easy, carry out your checks as it could save you life.”

Motorcycle users remain the road user group with the highest rate of collisions and casualties per mile travelled. Motorcyclists make up just 1% of total road traffic but account for 19% of all road user deaths of serious injuries is at the highest level since 2009.

For those drivers that want to brush up on existing skills and learn new ones, Dragon Rider is a motorcycle rider training course supported by the Driving Vehicle Standards Agency Enhanced Rider Scheme and Thunder Road Motorcycles of South Wales. Courses are held all year round, for more information contact roadsafety@npt.gov.uk

Bikers can also take part in the national BikeSafe course which is supported by South Wales Police. The course addresses topics of positioning and cornering; use of speed; casualty reduction; changes to the rules of the road; observations and planning for hazards; safer and fuel efficient riding; attitudes and behaviour; basic first aid skills. For more information http://www.bikesafe.co.uk/