Lots of people choose to ride motorbikes and mopeds, particularly in cities and areas where parking is difficult. It’s important to read safety advice and make sure that you keep yourself and others safe on the roads.
Wear the right kit
If you come off your motorbike, tarmac will shred your clothing in seconds, so it’s important to wear appropriate clothing, such as:
- A safety helmet that meets British safety standards when riding a motorcycle or moped on the road. Visit GOV.UK to read the standards.
- If you ride with a visor or goggles they must either meet a British Standard and display a BSI Kitemark or meet a European standard offering at least the same safety and protection as the British Standard and carry a mark equivalent to the BSI Kitemark (UNECE Regulation 22.05).
There’s no law about wearing other protective clothing, but specialised motorbike gear is highly recommended – it could save your life.
Advice for vehicle drivers
As a driver you can help keep motorcyclists safe if you:
- Take a little longer looking for bikers when you pull out from a junction.
- Keep your distance. Less experienced motorcyclists could be intimidated.
- Check for bikes before changing lanes.
- Motorcyclists might pass you on either side.
Advice for motorcyclists
You can help keep yourself safe on your bike by:
- Anticipate the actions of others
- Staying alert and observant
- Ensuring you can slow down and stop if the unexpected happens
- Positioning yourself in the safest and best place to maximise your visibility of potential hazards
- Considering further skills training to improve your performance and safety on the road
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