The final Bank Holiday weekend of the year is coming up... and the forecast suggests it could be staying warm and dry before the fine summer weather takes a dip next week.

If that's not a double excuse to get the bike out, we don't know what is. Three full days of riding, in great weather – what could be better!

But as well as having fun and making the most of the extra day off, it's also vital that every rider comes home safe.

Sad fact...

There is often a sting in the tail for too many riders who take to the roads over a Bank Holiday weekend: they become one of 170,100 casualties from motorcycle crashes in England and Wales every year. Bikers are 38 times more likely to be killed in a motor accident compared to car occupants, per mile travelled – and this terrible statistic spikes on Bank Holidays when occasional leisure riders drag their bikes out and hit the roads.

Don't ride tired

One of the key causes of motorbike crashes is fatigue. Police statistics show that most crashes occur towards the end of a ride, when rider fatigue plays a major part. If we've had a full and fun day out, it's only natural to start feeling tired towards the end of the ride home. Bike riding demands immense amounts of concentration, which is tiring. Factor in regular breaks and at the first sign of fatigue, stop to refresh.

Often we think that if we slow down a bit, that will keep us safe, but we can still have a serious crash at low speed.

If we're tired the only option is to stop, take a break and recharge our batteries. Get back on the bike when we're feeling fresher. After all, a momentary lapse of concentration can prove fatal.

If we're not used to long rides, why push it just for the Bank Holiday?

But there are other worries connected to leisure rides out. It should be fun – but that doesn't mean it should be fast. Too often bike riders crash after taking unacceptable risks at speed. The speed limits are there for our protection so never be tempted to open up the throttle and speed: stick to the limit.

And no matter how warm the day, and how good the beer looks, bike riding and alcohol do not mix. Even a solitary pint will impair the fine motor skills on which bike riders rely to control their bike in safety and respond quickly when circumstances demand prompt action, such as swerving to avoid road debris or a car or van that's not spotted you.

One final point...

Although the majority of motorbike crashes occur on urban roads or motorways (70%), the majority of fatalities are actually on rural roads (66%), so if we're taking to the countryside this weekend, we need to take extra care.