There’s an old saying in biking: there are bold riders, and there are old riders… but no old and bold riders.
And when you look at the statistics, it’s easy to see why. Year after year, the data tells us the same story—riding a motorcycle carries a much higher risk than driving a car.
Just take a look at the numbers from the year ending June 2024:
- 727 car occupants lost their lives in Great Britain.
- 319 motorcyclists were killed.
- 70,000 car occupants were injured.
- 16,500 motorcyclists were injured.
Sounds bad, right? Now, factor in how many cars are actually on the road compared to bikes. There are roughly 1.3 million motorcycles in the UK, versus 41 million cars.
And when you break it down per mile traveled, it’s even starker:
- For every billion miles covered, five car occupants lose their lives.
- The same distance sees 111 bikers killed.
That means riding a motorcycle is more than 20 times riskier than driving a car.
So, How Do We Ride Smarter and Safer?
The answer starts with speed, patience, and judgement.
- Slow Down—You’re Not in a Race
Too many riders push the speed limit just because it’s there. But let’s be honest—why? Is it about ego? Is it frustration? If the car ahead is making decent progress, what’s the rush? Sit back, enjoy the ride, and wait for the right moment if you really need to overtake.
- Read the Road Like a Pro
Just because you know a road doesn’t mean it hasn’t changed. Potholes, gravel, puddles, ice, debris—anything could be waiting just around the bend. Ride at a pace where you can confidently say: “Whatever happens next, I can handle it.”
- Never Gamble With a Gap
If you’re thinking “I can squeeze through there”, stop. That’s not skill—it’s luck. And luck runs out. Taking a chance on a tight gap, a rushed overtake, or a last-second turn can end badly. You’re not in a metal box; you’re exposed. Make decisions that keep you out of danger.
- Reflect on Close Calls
Ever finished a ride thinking, “That was close”? If so, don’t brush it off. Ask yourself: what went wrong? Was it your speed, a rushed move, or poor judgement? Figure it out and learn from it—because next time, you might not get a second chance.
The Best Ride? The One You Finish Safely
Motorcycling isn’t about pushing limits—it’s about control, skill, and awareness. The best riders aren’t the fastest. They’re the ones who ride smart, enjoy every mile, and make it home safely.
So, take your time. Stay patient. Ride for the long haul.