A new campaign by the British Superbike School is targeting improving braking techniques among the nation’s riders.
The campaign – which is directed at riders of all bikes, at all sizes and levels – comes after research highlighted that improving braking skills could help lower casualty figures.
The ‘Brake for your Life’ campaign says that ‘injuries are in general proportional to the impact speed’ – and that avoiding or lowering the speed of impact would result in less chance of fatalities or serious life-changing injuries occurring.
Yet, it noted that high speed braking is not covered in licence tests.
The campaign calls on all motorcycle trainers, whether learner, post-test or advanced to consider including braking from higher speeds, to try ensure as many riders as possible can stop effectively from at least 60mph.
Mike Abbott, British Superbike School, said:
“Motorcycle injury stats have plateaued over the last five years, and with no obvious new safety initiatives in the wings, this would seem an ideal opportunity for a change of emphasis. As riders and a training industry we can help ourselves. All motorcycle trainers, whether learner, post-test or advanced, are asked to consider including braking from higher speeds, to try ensure as many riders as possible can stop effectively from at least 60mph. Injuries are in general proportional to the impact speed. Clearly in avoiding or lowering the speed of impact, there is less chance of fatalities or serious life-changing injuries. This also depends on hazard perception – which has been part of the licence test for many years – and reaction time. It is therefore also suggested that riders consider riding at all times, or when approaching a hazard, with their index and middle fingers on the front brake lever.”
