We want to make you the best rider you can

This area is not to scare people away from motorcycling it is to give you the facts - we want you to be safe.

Injuries to motorcyclists are out of proportion to their presence on our roads. Motorcyclists are just 1% of total road traffic, but account for 19% of all road user deaths.

The facts

In 2011 362 motorcyclists died and 5,247 were seriously injured in road collisions in Great Britain.
Motorcyclists are 25 times more likely to be killed compared to all other road users.
Motorcyclist KSIs have fallen since 2008 when 493 motorcyclists were killed and 5,556 were seriously injured on Britain's roads.

30 motorcyclists are killed or injured every day at junctions.

Motorcycle safety

Motorcycles represented 1 in 70 of all licensed vehicles in Ireland between 2007 and 2011, but motorcyclists accounted for 1 in 10 road deaths over this same period. One of the main reasons is that, in a crash, motorcycle and moped users have less protection than drivers or passengers in vehicles.

But training and education are also an issue. Trained motorcyclists around the world prove every day that biking can be a fun, safe and satisfying activity. However, if you don’t have appropriate skills, the right attitude to safety and the benefit of education and training it’s a much riskier pursuit.

Safety gear

Wear appropriate clothing and a secure helmet every time you get on your bike.

Jackets and trousers should give you enough protection from impact, abrasion, cold and weather conditions.
Use body armour on vulnerable areas such as the back, knees, elbows, shoulders, hips and shins. This should be adjustable so it fits snugly and does not move in a crash.
You should wear a good reflective jacket to make you more visible on the road.
Wear protective gloves, and footwear that at least comes above the ankle.
Learner motorcyclists must wear a yellow tabard displaying the “L” plate not less than 15cm high on a white background, in clearly visible vertical positions front and rear worn over the chest clothing.

Age requirements

Remember: you have to be 16 before you can ride a small motorbike (A1 vehicle category) 18 before you can ride an A2 motorcycle and 24 before you can ride a larger one (A category).

‘A1’ is defined as a motorcycle with an engine capacity not exceeding 125cc, with a and a power rating not exceeding 11kW and with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.1kW/kg.

‘A2’ is defined as a motorcycle with a power rating not exceeding 35kW, with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.2kW/kg and not derived from a vehicle of more than double its power. For the purposes of the driving test, the motorcycle will have a minimum of 395cc, and a power output of at least 25kW but not exceeding 35kW.

‘A’ is defined as a motorbike with or without a side-car. For the purposes of the driving test, it is defined as a motorcycle with a minimum of 595cc and an engine power of at least 40kW.

If you held your learner permit in Category A prior to the 19th January 2013, you are restricted to driving a motorcycle that has a power output of a maximum of 25kW. If you passed your test and took out a full Category A licence before the 19th January 2013, you are restricted to riding a motorcycle with a power output of a maximum of 25kW for a period of 2 years from the date of isue of your full licence.

THINK! advice for motorcyclists

The roads are getting more crowded, and the pressure is increasing to make sure that you do not put yourself or others at risk. The following tips will help keep you and other road users safe.

Riding defensively makes you less vulnerable
Make sure you:

anticipate the actions of others
are alert and observant
can slow down and stop if the unexpected happens
position yourself in the safest and best place to maximise your visibility of potential hazards
take a 'lifesaver' glance over your shoulder before carrying out manoeuvres, so you know where others are and what they’re doing

Consider further skills training to improve your performance and safety on the road

Further training is available with different schemes to suit your needs.

An important requirement of being a motorcyclist is to wear protective clothing, always buy the best you can afford because you cannot put a price on your life.