A new campaign is encouraging motorcyclists to check their tyres once a week – with a particular focus on inflation, condition and tread.
TyreSafe’s ‘Don’t chance it, change it’ campaign has been launched on the back of DfT figures which show that motorcycles are three-times more likely to be involved in a tyre-related incident than a car.
The campaign focuses on the message that it’s safer to change your tyre than repair it, reminding riders that it is more difficult to repair motorcycle tyres.
The campaign calls on motorcyclists to check their tyres once a week and consider three key areas:
- Inflation pressure – which influences how a bike handles, brakes and accelerates
- Condition – because tyres are in physical contact with the road and can be damaged by debris, potholes, and kerbs
- Tread – the tread ensures a tyre stays in contact with the road during wet conditions. The minimum limit for motorcycles of 50cc or above is 1mm.
As part of the campaign TyreSafe has produced a new quick guide to motorcycle tyre safety and refreshed its comprehensive A5 reference guide.
TyreSafe has also published a new video (featured), featuring Isle of Man TT ‘legend’ John McGuinness – who talks ‘honestly and openly’ about tyre safety for motorbikes.
John McGuinness said: “I give loads of consideration to the tyres that my bikes are equipped with because it’s so, so important; it’s the only bit that connects you to the road.
“There’s absolutely no chance that I would repair a tyre. To be honest, it wouldn’t even enter my head. I didn’t even know that you can repair a bike tyre.”
Stuart Jackson, TyreSafe chairman, said: “With 1.1m licensed motorcycles in England, the ‘Don’t chance it, change it’ campaign will play an important role in reminding and educating motorcyclists that tyre safety should be at the forefront of their minds every time they set off.
“It’s of genuine concern to hear inappropriate repairs are being carried out despite the warnings.”
02 July 2018
