Regular winter bike checks are key to improved safety
Motorcyclists are being reminded to carry out regular checks on their motorbike to improve their safety over the winter.
Devon County Council and Devon and Cornwall Police have compiled a series of short videos on the Max Rider website offering simple advice on bike maintenance. The message to riders is that keeping their bike in tip top condition can help them stay safe and upright, particularly over the coming months.
Despite motorcycles being ridden less over the winter, crashes remain high. In 2010, three fatal motorcycle crashes in Devon occurred in the last quarter of the year, which was half of the total for the whole year. The figure was a quarter in 2011, with four fatal motorcycle crashes during the year and one of those in the last quarter.
The videos are presented by Max Nelson, a full time Devon and Cornwall Police motorcyclist and qualified vehicle examiner. With over 30 years riding experience and 25 years of service, his advice covers everything from tyres to the electrics. There is also a “stories from the road” section on the website where Max shares his experiences of poorly maintained bikes, some examples ending in tragedy.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “By taking a few simple precautions, riders can greatly improve their safety and the short videos on the Max Rider website provide some straightforward but very important advice. The winter months can present difficult riding conditions so it’s worth being even more vigilant with maintenance at this time of year. Motorcyclists are one of our most vulnerable road users and we are committed to reducing the amount of crashes involving riders in the county.”
PC Max Nelson, from Devon and Cornwall Police, added: “Whether it's for the Police, or for leisure, years of riding experience has taught me to make sure your bike is in good condition and regularly checked. Winter riding poses new problems for riders and a properly maintained bike can make the difference between staying upright or ending up on your side.”
The videos can be viewed at:
