With spring finally on the horizon, many riders are bringing their motorbikes out of hibernation. Before you hit the road, a few simple safety checks can make sure your bike is performing at its best and help you enjoy a smooth, safe ride.

▪ Check tyre pressure and tread

▪ Check your lights and brakes are all working correctly

▪ Check your oil and fuel.

It may sound obvious to always ride to the road and weather conditions, but prolonged periods of wet weather have badly affected a lot of road surfaces – yes we mean potholes! And even though the temperatures are rising, frost and ice can linger well into May.

After a winter off the bike, your skills and reactions may need a little warming up too. So start slowly, ride your own ride and if you want a refresher or to improve your skills and enjoyment, there are some fantastic courses available:

• BikeSafe offers practical, police‑led workshops across the UK.
  For more info and to book visit Warwickshire Police – BikeSafe
• RoSPA Motorcycle Training provide advanced rider courses to help you become safer and more confident.
  RoSPA- Motorcycle Training Course | RoSPA Advanced Rider Safety Training

• IAM RoadSmart provide training tailored to everyday riders.
  Become an Advanced Rider | IAM RoadSmart

• Further inspiration can be found on Coventry and Warwickshire Advanced Riders coventryadvancedriders.co.uk and South Warwickshire Advanced Riders www.swar.org.uk

Inspector Wayne Boulton said “We know from our statistics that drivers or riders failing to judge another person’s path or speed and failing to look properly are major causes of collisions involving motorcyclists.  That’s why we are also asking drivers to look at least twice for motorcyclists especially at junctions where most collisions occur.”

If you did come across a collision involving a motorcyclist, would you know what to do? If not, you may want book on to Biker Down a FREE road safety and motorcycle‑specific first aid course run by fire and rescue services, police forces and road safety partners across the UK. Book here Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service Events | Eventbrite

Check out the Users section of this website for more advice and information.