Cyclists gear up for Massive Bike Revival

David Cameron, Boris Johnson and Andrew Mitchell apart, you rarely see a politician on a bike.

Which is funny, simply because political parties really like cycling. It plays to crucial agendas such as well being and the environment and it is an simple win as far as boosting green credentials is concerned.

The outgoing coalition government put its cash where its mouth was with £1 million of backing for a campaign to assist individuals cycle more safely by providing them the expertise to repair and preserve their bikes.

On yer bike

The Big Bike Revival, masterminded by cycling charity CTC, aims to encourage much more folks to dig out their old bike and rediscover the joys of cycling.

The campaign begins in earnest in Might, when would-be cyclists will be in a position to take their bike to a participating re-cycle centre.

They can then understand how to fix and preserve the bike, or trade it in for a different model.

Men and women will also be in a position to find out about cycle instruction and other activities in the location. You will even be capable to donate any unwanted bicycles.

Pollution resolution

Announcing the government backing, Robert Goodwill, the coalition’s transport minister, mentioned: “We are severe about getting folks on their bike – cycling is great for our wellness and indicates less-congested cities and less pollution.

“Now spring has arrived, there is no far better time to bring out that bike gathering dust in the shed.

“The Massive Bike Revival will help you sort out the punctures and minor mechanical troubles that we have all used as an excuse not to get out on 2 wheels.”

Saddle sore

In 2013, 42% of adults in Britain had access to a bicycle, however 63% had not ridden in the preceding year. But 37% say they could simply swap the automobile for the bike for short journeys of much less than 2 miles.

A CTC pilot project in October 2014 proved a big good results, attracting a lot more than 1,300 men and women to 10 centres across West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Liverpool.

A final list of participating re-cycle centres will be accessible in May possibly – watch this space.

Ride and park

The outgoing government also announced a further £15 million on improvements to cycle facilities at nearly 300 railway stations across the country.

The money will spend for an added 7,500 cycle parking spaces at 279 stations, tripling the number of cycle parking spaces at stations considering that 2010.

Main stations set to benefit from a grant contain Derby, Lincoln, Dorking, Preston and Rugby.

There will also be a new cycle route and 300 cycle parking spaces in Cheltenham Spa.

Cyclists gear up for Massive Bike Revival

Cyclists gear up for Huge Bike Revival

David Cameron, Boris Johnson and Andrew Mitchell apart, you hardly ever see a politician on a bike.

Which is funny, because political parties love cycling. It plays to important agendas such as well being and the atmosphere and it’s an straightforward win as far as boosting green credentials is concerned.

The outgoing coalition government place its funds where its mouth was with £1 million of backing for a campaign to aid individuals cycle a lot more safely by providing them the abilities to repair and sustain their bikes.

On yer bike

The Huge Bike Revival, masterminded by cycling charity CTC, aims to encourage much more folks to dig out their old bike and rediscover the joys of cycling.

The campaign starts in earnest in May, when would-be cyclists will be capable to take their bike to a participating re-cycle centre.

They can then learn how to fix and sustain the bike, or trade it in for a diverse model.

Men and women will also be able to find out about cycle instruction and other activities in the area. You will even be in a position to donate any unwanted bicycles.

Pollution resolution

Announcing the government backing, Robert Goodwill, the coalition’s transport minister, stated: “We are serious about receiving men and women on their bike – cycling is wonderful for our well being and signifies much less-congested cities and much less pollution.

“Now spring has arrived, there is no greater time to bring out that bike gathering dust in the shed.

“The Big Bike Revival will help you sort out the punctures and minor mechanical issues that we have all utilised as an excuse not to get out on 2 wheels.”

Saddle sore

In 2013, 42% of adults in Britain had access to a bicycle, but 63% had not ridden in the earlier year. But 37% say they could very easily swap the automobile for the bike for short journeys of much less than 2 miles.

A CTC pilot project in October 2014 proved a big accomplishment, attracting more than 1,300 people to 10 centres across West Yorkshire, Higher Manchester and Liverpool.

A final list of participating re-cycle centres will be available in Might – watch this space.

Ride and park

The outgoing government also announced a additional £15 million on improvements to cycle facilities at practically 300 railway stations across the country.

The funds will spend for an added 7,500 cycle parking spaces at 279 stations, tripling the number of cycle parking spaces at stations because 2010.

Major stations set to benefit from a grant incorporate Derby, Lincoln, Dorking, Preston and Rugby.

There will also be a new cycle route and 300 cycle parking spaces in Cheltenham Spa.

Cyclists gear up for Huge Bike Revival

Jeep Team’s Pierre Smith wins 2-Provinces Mountain Bike Race

PIETERMARITZBURG, 10 APRIL 2015 – Jeep Team’s Pierre Smith claimed Gold at the 70km Riverside Mica 2-Provinces MTB Race in Gauteng on Monday (6 April 2015), with Christoff van Heerden in 2nd place and Wayd Needham in 3rd.

Just under 200 riders competed in the 2-Provinces MTB at Vanderbijlpark in Stonehaven-on-Vaal, with Smith fighting off strong opposition to break the tape in a fast 2h22m40s, just seconds ahead of Van Heerden (2h22m59s). Needham crossed the line in 2h23m23s.

Said Smith: “This is always a special race to me being right on my door step and it is nice to perform in front of a home crowd. I used this race mainly to prepare for Ashburton Investments National MTB Series in Clarens in 2 weeks’ time and it was a good confidence booster. I enjoyed the route a lot with all the single track and jeep track sections in it and made my move with about 10km to go and just kept the peddle down till the end.”

Other Jeep Team results

In the Western Cape, Jeep Team’s OCR champion, Dominique D’;Oliveira, took on the 22-km Old Mutual 2 Oceans Trail Run on Friday (3 April 2015) finishing 17th in a time of 2h56m.

Said D’;Oliveira: “With the Jeep Warrior still in my legs and the Impi Challenge just around the corner it was more of a training run for me than a race as such, but a great experience. It was probably one of the most challenging one-day trail runs I’;ve ever done but also one of the most beautiful.”

On Saturday, multiple world champion paddler, Hank McGregor, was out of his comfort zone, competing on land rather than in water at the Old Mutual 2 Oceans Half Marathon. Testament to McGregor’s racing spirit whatever the challenge, he finished the 21-km race in 1h24m39s, earning himself a Silver medal.

Also view:

Mountain Bike Events / Planning and the Safety of Bikers

Mountain Bike Safety and Riding on the Trail

Endurance Sports, Driver Fatigue and Road Safety

Jeep Team’s Pierre Smith wins 2-Provinces Mountain Bike Race

Push comes to shove for bike gadgets

Push-bikes aren’t exactly high-tech – well, not at my price point, anyway – but a crop of new gadgets could soon bring cycling to the cutting edge for all of us, improving safety to boot.

And where cycling is concerned, safety is massive.

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, around 19,000 cyclists are killed or injured in reported road accidents every year in the UK, including 110 who are killed and not far shy of 3,000 who are seriously injured.

And RoSPA points out that these are victims of accidents that are reported to the police. It says many cyclist casualties go unreported, even when the cyclist is inured badly enough to be taken to hospital.

The figures also exclude ‘off-road’ cycling accidents, so it seems safe to say the number of injured cyclists each year could be much higher.

Head start

So road safety campaigners will surely welcome the latest technological development from Volvo. The Swedish car manufacturer, in collaboration with POC Sports and Ericsson, has come up with an ingenious ‘smart’ helmet, which warns of an imminent collision.

The prototype was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and uses cloud-based smart phone technology to allow the bicycle and the car to communicate.

Head in the clouds

Basically, the helmet is connected to a smartphone app that broadcasts its whereabouts via the cloud. Volvo drivers receive the signal using a system built into their ‘connected’ car.

Both the cyclist and the driver are warned of any potential collision, so an accident can hopefully be avoided.

The cyclist is alerted by a light mounted on the helmet, along with a warning vibration.

Heads up!

Drivers are warned via the car’s head-up display. The system can also take control of a car to apply the brakes if it gets too close to a cyclist.

Klas Bendick, a spokesman for Volvo, says 50% of all cyclists killed on the roads collided with a car: “By exploring cloud-based safety systems, we are getting ever closer to eliminating the remaining blind spots between cars and cyclists, which will mean we avoid collisions altogether.”

There’s still work to be done, though. The helmet only links up to Volvo drivers who have an in-built safety system.

Both the car and the cyclist also need a constant internet connection.

But if the technology can help to reduce the number of injuries and deaths on the roads, who would complain?

Head turner

The CES event also showcased prototype ‘smart’ pedals, which generate energy as you cycle and alert your smart phone if someone tries to steal your bike.

Plus, they track the bicycle if it goes missing.

When you consider that more than 100,000 bikes are stolen in the UK every year, the potential for smart pedals should not be underestimated.

The pedals, developed by French firm Connected Cycle, also capture data about your journey. In other words, they’re an impressive piece of kit – and they can only be removed with the owner’s unique code.

Connected Cycle is doing the rounds to raise enough money to fund production of the pedals for general sale.

Push comes to shove for bike gadgets

A quad bike must be loaded onto a trailer when transported on public roads

Question:

I have Quad Bike Query. I accept they cannot be ridden on public roads – No Problem.

I have bought a quad bike with Rear light,turning lights front and back and also headlights (hi and Low beam) plus many extras

The manufacturer fitted a steel Shaft that can be used for a TOW-Ball and can be connected as a Tow-Hitch. I can safely lift 2 wheels from the road surface and securely connect the ATV to my vehicle tow-bar. Is it possible for me (After I register the Vehicle)to license my ATV as a trailer or any appropriate Name?)    I can then safely and legally tow the ATV on a public road within the rules of towing as prescribed by Law.  When done correctly there is no real difference between towing a trailer or car or Towing an ATV (Folks still tow their ‘Beach buggies’;?)       I would appreciate your comments and input.

Answer:

You are not allowed to register and licence the quad at all and will have to load the entire vehicle onto a trailer to be able to transport it.

Alta Swanepoel & Associates

Also view:

Quad Bike Safety

Towing a Trailer Safely

A quad bike must be loaded onto a trailer when transported on public roads

Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes claim Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage win

Matthys Beukes (far left) and Philip Buys enjoyed a perfect first day in Yellow by winning Stage 3 of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek. Photo by Zoon Cronje/Nikon/Xtremedia

South Africa’s Yellow Jersey wearers, Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes (SCOTT Factory Racing) claimed a second consecutive stage win when they outsprinted a small lead group on Stage 3 of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage race on Wednesday.

Second place went to the German Team Bulls pair of Tim Bohme and Simon Stiebjahn with South Africans Lourens Luus and Adriaan Louw (Fairview Elite) filling the final podium spot. Buys and Beukes retain their General Classification lead of 3 minutes 26 seconds over Team Bulls.

In the women’s race, the Biogen Toyota Cape Brewing Co. pair of Robyn de Groot (RSA) and Jennie Stenerhag (SWE) claimed their 4th successive stage victory, also in a sprint finish, against Asrin Cycling’s Catherine Williamson (GBR) and Alice Pirard (BEL) and maintained their overall 13-minute lead.

After Tuesday’s gruelling stage, which culminated with a mountaintop finish at the summit of the iconic Swartberg Pass; and with Thursday’s brutal Stage 4 looming, the riders appeared to consolidate somewhat on Wednesday’s Stage 3 over 107km from Prince Albert to De Rust.

In the men’s race, a pack of 5 teams reached the final 20km in the lead group – SCOTT Factory Racing, Team Bulls, EAI Cycling, Fairview RECM (Lourens Luus and Adriaan Louw) and Asrin Cycling’s (James Reid and Herman Persteiner). Unfortunately for Asrin Cycling, Persteiner encountered a mechanical with his chain, which eliminated them from the final dash.

The remaining quartet shared the workload into a strong headwind, but rode a tactical approach to the finish, which included 2 90-degree turns and a slightly uphill finishing straight.

Jennie Stenerhag (far right) and Robyn de Groot look back down the finishing straight after getting a small gap on their rivals in the final sprint. Photo by Zoon Cronje/Nikon/Xtremedia

“We predicted this morning the stage might finish in a sprint so were ready for it. We’ve discussed our sprinting tactics quite a bit, but didn’t have to implement them today as Simon (Stiebjahn) made the first move and we were forced to react. Matthys went after him and I watched Tim (Bohme). Simon faded a bit and that allowed both Matthys and I to go across the line ahead of them,” explained Buys.

“We accepted with about 10km to go that it would come down to a sprint,” said De Groot. “Catherine and Alice rode really well today and we knew that we’d have to be tactically smart to beat them. Fortunately we got our timing right and were able to win. We still have a 13-minute lead, but it’s not big enough to allow us to relax, especially with tomorrow’s big stage.”

Thursday’s Stage 4 is likely to be the most decisive of the 2014 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek. With 2690m of ascent in 109km, it promises to make or break podium ambitions. It could also prove the toughest test for many of the amateurs, who are aiming to just complete the event.

The stage starts with a 25km steady drag before taking riders through the dry, rocky Kammanassie Mountains and over to the forested coastal belt area of George. The contrasts on this stage are remarkable and could well contribute to a General Classification shake-up.

“It will be a tough stage tomorrow. But Matthys and I will not be riding defensively. We’re keen to push the technical sections hard, but will stay as safe as possible,” revealed Buys.

In the other team racing categories, South Africans Brian Lennox and Hannes Hanekom (Klein Karoo Giants) were the top Amateurs, moving into the GC lead in the process. South Africans Kobus and Fienie Barnard (Klein Karoo Mixed), won the sprint for the stage, but are still second on GC to Germans Max Friedrich and Jana Mischance (Firebike Tomotion by Blacktusk).

Heinz Zorweg (AUT) and Bartie Bucher (SUI) of Team Meerendal Wheeler 2 claimed a 4th consecutive stage win and further extended their category lead; while South Africans Johan Labuschagne and Gerrie Beukes (Klein Karoo Veterans) secured a second successive stage win and moved to within less than a minute off Veteran category leaders Fanie Venter and Wayne McDuling (Pynfabriek) in the overall.

In the Solo men’s division, Travis Walker (RSA) won the stage in his category and moved into the General Classification lead, while Christine Janse van Rensburg (RSA), claimed another stage and extended her overall lead in the Solo women’s race.

For more information on the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek, visit www.capepioneer.co.za. For race updates, follow @BridgeCPT on twitter and Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek on Facebook.

The field of over 400 riders is stretched out under the fast early pace during the opening kilometres of Stage 3 of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek. Photo Zoon Cronje/Nikon/Xtremedia

Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek 2014
Stage 3
Leading results
Men:
1 Philip Buys (RSA) / Matthys Beukes (RSA) – SCOTT Factory Racing 3:54:35
2 Simon Stiebjahn (GER) / Tim Bohme (GER) – Team Bulls 3:54:35
3 Adriaan Louw (RSA) / Lourens Luus (RSA) – Fairview Elite 3:54:37
4 Johann Rabie (RSA) / Gawie Combrinck (RSA) – EAI South Africa 3:54:39
5 James Reid (RSA) / Herman Persteiner (AUT) – Asrin Cycling 3:56:38

Women:
1 Jennie Stenerhag (SWE) / Robyn de Groot (RSA) – Biogen Toyota Cape Brewing Co 4:33:03
2 Catherine Williamson (GBR) / Alice Pirard (BEL) Asrin Cycling 2 4:33:10
3 Theresa Ralph (RSA) / Esther Suss (SUI) – Meerendal Wheeler 1 4:41:00

Amateur:
1 Brian Lennox (RSA) / Hannes Hanekom (RSA) – Klein Karoo Giants 04:19:47
2 Jaco Ferreira (RSA) / Alexander Lamberts (RSA) – Columbia Europcar Bridge 4:32:35
3 James Tennent (RSA) / David Garrett (RSA) – Giant 2 4:30:42

Veteran men:
1 Johan Labuschagne (RSA) / Gerrie Beukes (RSA) Klein Karoo Veterans 4:19:57
2 Fanie Venter (RSA) / Wayne McDuling (RSA) – Pynfabriek 4:33:13
3 Noel Droomer (RSA) / John Swanepoel (RSA) – Cornerstone Cycles 4:38:01

Master men:
1 Heinz Zorweg (AUT) / Barti Bucher (SUI) – Meerendal Wheeler 2 4:19:05
2 Waleed Baker (RSA) / Glen Haw (RSA) – Pitstop 4:50:52
3 Izak Visagie (RSA) / Lieb Loots (RSA) – Wilde 3 4:55:00

Mixed:
1 Kobus Barnard (RSA) / Fienie Barnard (RSA) – Klein Karoo Mixed 4:36:01
2 Max Friedrich (GER) / Jana Zieschank (GER) – Firebike Tomotion by Blacktusk 4:36:03
3 Igna de Viliers (RSA) / Daleen Van der Leek (RSA) LGE Midas Bells Cycling 4:44:37

Solo men:
1 Travis Walker (RSA) 4:02:30
2 Renay Groustra (RSA) 4:02:32
3 Ken van den Bulke (NED) 4:03:20

Solo women:
1 Christine Janse van Rensburg (RSA) 4:55:30
2 Katja Cauwenbergh (BEL) 5:17:06
3 Nina Hind (RSA) 5:34:14

Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek 2014
General Classification after Stage 3
Leading results
Men:
1 Philip Buys (RSA) / Matthys Beukes (RSA) – SCOTT Factory Racing 12:12:56
2 Simon Stiebjahn (GER) / Tim Bohme (GER) – Team Bulls 12:16:23
3 Ismael Venture (ESP) / Ramon Sagues (RSA) – ESMTB.com 12:32:29
4 Waylon Woolcock (RSA) / Darren Lill (RSA) – Cannondale Blend 12:34:49
5 Michiel van Aelbroeck (NED) / Robby de Bock (NED) WMTB.Be – Feenstra 12:35:56

Women:
1 Jennie Stenerhag (SWE) / Robyn de Groot (RSA) – Biogen Toyota Cape Brewing Co 14:02:49
2 Catherine Williamson (GBR) / Alice Pirard (BEL) – Asrin Cycling 14:16:36
3 Theresa Ralph (RSA) / Esther Suss (SUI) – Meerendal Wheeler 1 14:43:34

Amateur:
1 Brian Lennox (RSA) / Hannes Hannekom (RSA) – Klein Karoo Giants 13:43:44
2 Mattias Winkler (SUI) / Francois Naf (SUI) Meerendal Wheeler 13:58:39
3 Jaco Ferreira (RSA) / Alexander Lamberts (RSA) – Columbia Europcar Bridge 14:03:06

Veteran men:
1 Fanie Venter (RSA) / Wayne McDuling (RSA) – Pynfabriek 9:32:38
2 Johan Labuschagne (RSA) / Gerrie Beukes (RSA) Klein Karoo Veterans 9:46:39
3 Marne Dirks (RSA) / Pierre Griffioen (RSA) – Bridge Torq Zone Vets 9:58:36

Master men:
1 Heinz Zorweg (AUT) / Barti Bucher (SUI) – Meerendal Wheeler 2 8:52:48
2 Izak Visagie (RSA) / Lieb Loots (RSA) – Wilde 3 9:56:34
3 Waleed Baker (RSA) / Glen Haw (RSA) – Pitstop 10:30:56

Mixed:
1 Max Friedrich (GER) / Jana Zieschank (GER) – Firebike Tomotion by Blacktusk 14:09:59
2 Kobus Barnard (RSA) / Fienie Barnard (RSA) – Klein Karoo Mixed 14:20:51
3 Igna de Viliers (RSA) / Daleen Van der Leek (RSA) LGE Midas Bells Cycling 14:50:46

Solo men:
1 Travis Walker (RSA) 12:43:02
2 Alan Gordon (RSA) 12:45:10
3 Ken van den Bulke (BEL) 12:48:24

Solo women:
1 Christine Janse van Rensburg (RSA) 15:14:12
2 Katja Cauwenbergh (BEL) 16:42:14
3 Nina Hind (RSA) 17:53:57

Elite points
Men
1 Philip Buys (RSA) / Matthys Beukes (RSA) – SCOTT Factory Racing 33
2 Simon Stiebjahn (GER) / Tim Bohme (GER) – Team Bulls 30
3 Ismael Venture (ESP) / Ramon Sagues (RSA) – ESMTB.com 16
4 Johann Rabie (RSA) / Gawie Combrinck (RSA) – EAI South Africa 16

Women
1 Jennie Stenerhag (SWE) / Robyn de Groot (RSA) – Biogen Toyota Cape Brewing Co 35
2 Catherine Williamson (GBR) / Alice Pirard (BEL) – Asrin Cycling 29
3 Theresa Ralph (RSA) / Esther Suss (SUI) – Meerendal Wheeler 1 27

For full results visit www.capepioneer.co.za

Also view:

Mountain Bike Events / Planning and the Safety of Bikers

Mountain Bike Safety and Riding on the Trail

Endurance Sports, Driver Fatigue and Road Safety

;

In keeping with tradition, the terrain of the 2014 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek is unforgiving. The leaders tackle a loose, rocky climb during Stage 3 on Wednesday. Photo by Zoon Cronje/Nikon/Xtremedia

Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes claim Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international mountain bike stage win

Can I “roadworthy” my quad bike?

Question:

If a quad bike was fitted with all the instruments to deem it roadworthy, can it be registered and licensed and used on the public roads? How does 1 formally address this issue to be taken up for consideration, by the powers that be? Quite simply a quad bike is 200 times safer to drive than a 2 wheel motorcycle, simply because it has 2 more wheels. I would appreciate all your assistance with this request, and maybe it can be considered.

Answer:

Motor quadrucycles are not allowed to be licensed and may not be used on public roads at all. They were designed for off-road conditions. The vehicles do not comply with the South African National Standards for motor vehicles and contrary to your beliefs are extremely unsafe on public roads.
The SABS has prohibited the registration and licensing of quads since 2005.

Also view:

Quad Bikes and Safety

Quad Bike Injuries

Quad Bike and Injuries

;

Can I “roadworthy” my quad bike?

Why every single road user should Consider! bike

Most drivers reckon the primary cause of motorbike accidents is speeding riders. But the reality is that most motorbike accidents come about because drivers pull out at junctions without hunting correctly.

And so Believe!, the road safety arm of the Department for Transport, is asking drivers to take time to appear for bikes. If you’re not convinced, these figures ought to make you consider twice…

…the number of motorbike riders killed in 2013. Sadly, this represents a 1% improve on the quantity of riders killed in 2012, bucking the decade-long trend of a steady decline in bike-connected road deaths.

…the proportion of motorcycle casualties that are guys.

…the number of times far more most likely a biker is to be killed or seriously injured than a driver.

…the number of bikers who are killed or injured at junctions on British roads every day.

… the proportion of all road fatalities that are bikers.

…the proportion of all visitors bikers represent.

So, how can road-customers bring down the quantity of fatalities? It functions both ways…

Drivers…

• Usually slow down and look cautiously for motorbikes when approaching or pulling out at a junction.

• Keep your distance! Driving too close can intimidate a much less-experienced biker.


• Check your blind spots when changing lanes as a biker might be about to enter the exact same space you want to.

• Check for bikes when turning as parked cars or large automobiles can obstruct your view of a motorcyclist. Be conscious that a motorcyclist may possibly pass you on each sides when turning, so verify both left and proper.

• When you park up, always verify for bikers just before opening your automobile door and make positive your passengers do the exact same.

• Keep in mind that motorbikes accelerate quicker than automobiles so look out for them when you pull away.

Motorcyclists…

• Make your self significantly less vulnerable by riding defensively, staying alert, anticipating the actions of other road users and creating positive you can slow down swiftly if necessary.

• Position your self in the greatest place on the road for maximum visibility and take a ‘lifesaver’ glance over your shoulder just before manoeuvring.

• Wear protective jacket, gloves, boots, trousers and a full face helmet to protect oneself as a lot as possible in the occasion of a collision.

• Maximise your visibility by wearing bright or fluorescent gear for the duration of the daytime and reflective components at night.

Why every single road user should Consider! bike

Why every single road user should Think! bike

Most drivers reckon the primary result in of motorbike accidents is speeding riders. But the reality is that most motorbike accidents take place since drivers pull out at junctions with no hunting properly.

And so Believe!, the road security arm of the Division for Transport, is asking drivers to take time to appear for bikes. If you’re not convinced, these figures need to make you think twice…

…the number of motorbike riders killed in 2013. Sadly, this represents a 1% improve on the number of riders killed in 2012, bucking the decade-lengthy trend of a steady decline in bike-related road deaths.

…the proportion of motorcycle casualties that are males.

…the quantity of instances far more most likely a biker is to be killed or seriously injured than a driver.

…the number of bikers who are killed or injured at junctions on British roads every day.

… the proportion of all road fatalities that are bikers.

…the proportion of all traffic bikers represent.

So, how can road-customers bring down the quantity of fatalities? It functions both ways…

Drivers…

• Often slow down and look carefully for motorbikes when approaching or pulling out at a junction.

• Maintain your distance! Driving too close can intimidate a significantly less-experienced biker.


• Check your blind spots when changing lanes as a biker may possibly be about to enter the very same space you want to.

• Verify for bikes when turning as parked automobiles or huge automobiles can obstruct your view of a motorcyclist. Be aware that a motorcyclist may pass you on both sides when turning, so verify each left and right.

• When you park up, always check for bikers ahead of opening your auto door and make positive your passengers do the exact same.

• Remember that motorbikes accelerate more quickly than cars so appear out for them when you pull away.

Motorcyclists…

• Make your self much less vulnerable by riding defensively, staying alert, anticipating the actions of other road customers and producing sure you can slow down rapidly if essential.

• Position oneself in the best place on the road for maximum visibility and take a ‘lifesaver’ glance over your shoulder prior to manoeuvring.

• Put on protective jacket, gloves, boots, trousers and a complete face helmet to protect your self as much as achievable in the occasion of a collision.

• Maximise your visibility by wearing vibrant or fluorescent gear during the daytime and reflective supplies at evening.

Why every single road user should Think! bike

Why every road user should Think! bike

Most drivers reckon the major result in of motorbike accidents is speeding riders. But the reality is that most motorbike accidents occur because drivers pull out at junctions without having looking properly.

And so Consider!, the road safety arm of the Department for Transport, is asking drivers to take time to look for bikes. If you are not convinced, these figures must make you believe twice…

…the quantity of motorbike riders killed in 2013. Sadly, this represents a 1% enhance on the number of riders killed in 2012, bucking the decade-lengthy trend of a steady decline in bike-associated road deaths.

…the proportion of motorcycle casualties that are men.

…the quantity of times a lot more likely a biker is to be killed or seriously injured than a driver.

…the number of bikers who are killed or injured at junctions on British roads every day.

… the proportion of all road fatalities that are bikers.

…the proportion of all visitors bikers represent.

So, how can road-customers bring down the number of fatalities? It performs each ways…

Drivers…

• Usually slow down and appear very carefully for motorbikes when approaching or pulling out at a junction.

• Preserve your distance! Driving too close can intimidate a significantly less-seasoned biker.


• Verify your blind spots when changing lanes as a biker could be about to enter the exact same space you want to.

• Verify for bikes when turning as parked automobiles or huge vehicles can obstruct your view of a motorcyclist. Be aware that a motorcyclist could pass you on each sides when turning, so check both left and proper.

• When you park up, usually verify for bikers before opening your auto door and make sure your passengers do the same.

• Bear in mind that motorbikes accelerate more rapidly than automobiles so appear out for them when you pull away.

Motorcyclists…

• Make your self less vulnerable by riding defensively, staying alert, anticipating the actions of other road customers and generating positive you can slow down speedily if essential.

• Position yourself in the ideal spot on the road for maximum visibility and take a ‘lifesaver’ glance more than your shoulder just before manoeuvring.

• Put on protective jacket, gloves, boots, trousers and a full face helmet to safeguard oneself as much as achievable in the event of a collision.

• Maximise your visibility by wearing vibrant or fluorescent gear during the daytime and reflective supplies at night.

Why every road user should Think! bike