With Department for Transport stats still showing motorbike riders as one of the most vulnerable groups on the road, we’re looking at some of the main reasons why we’re at risk when we ride.

Road safety charity ROSPA lists the main reasons and places we crash as:

• Inability to navigate bends, particularly on rural roads;

• Other vehicles impeding our path when pulling out;

• Collisions at junctions;

• Accidents during overtaking manoeuvres;

• Loss of control, often due to distraction, tiredness or objects on the road.

But by riding smarter we can stay safe

How would you respond if, without warning, a driver swerves into your lane, because he’s not spotted you?

We run the risk of this if we are riding too close to the car in front, and we’re sitting in the driver’s blind spot. The driver might not see that you are following behind them. 

Top riding tip: Stay in the driver’s line of sight – far enough back to sit nicely in view in their door mirrors. Never sit right on a car or van’s bumper as they won’t be able to see us.

Sit back and keep an eye on the road ahead so it is easier to predict when a vehicle in front might want to change lanes. Pay particular care on the approach to junctions.

Car doors and drivers 

Many riders come a cropper when a parked car door is suddenly flung open in their path. Never ride too close to parked vehicles, and if you see a car pull in in front of you, ask yourself, what’s likely to happen next? If the car has parked, there’s a good chance the driver will want to hop out. Is he going to check his mirrors before he flings open the door? We don’t know – so don’t take a chance. Ease out into the middle of your lane to give yourself more room to pass in safety.

Top riding tip: Never ride too close – and when passing parked cars, get in the centre of the lane

Riding and drink/drugs

Using intoxicated substances while riding can be fatal. Booze and drugs affect balance, fine motor skills and judgement – all the things riders’ lives depend on. Stay sober while riding – enjoying our bikes is enough of a high!

Another tip: watch out for people who do drink and drive, particularly if you are riding around city areas bustling with pubs and clubs. Not everyone else’s judgement is as sharp as ours, so watch out for cars – and pedestrians who’ve had one too many. Ride slowly in the city.

Top riding tip: Don’t drink and ride, and watch out for those who do.