Spot on. My background is police crash investigation and traffic management. Although now retired I see every journey, on two or four wheels, as an opportunity to maintain and improve my awareness and driving skills. I applaud all those organisations, and individuals like yourself, who provide training. However, motorists and bikers alike need to recognise that they need to improve and make that commitment. Keep up the good work! 👍🏻
Totally agree…I am a returning rider after….43 years of not riding, I love being back on a bike….my fun part that I never used to do is this….I try and ride the best I can, from road position, awareness, breaking, observations….good distance from cars etc….I end up with a short time in a car park going through a few exercises, then later when back home, I assess how I thought my ride went, I’ll be honest, there is much room for improvement, I need to sus out our awful roads in Jersey more….conditions change….autumn leaves for a start…..it’s fun to look at what you do…..I’ll never be perfect, but I can try…..another good habit I have now is, before each trip, I check over my bike, tyres, pressures, chain and lights, check the breaks work…oh and make sure your helmet visor is clean…..yeah I sound like an old fart….but I care not…long gone are my LC 250 mad days…..cheers.
I’m in my 60’s and returned to biking after a 45 year gap. I have found your videos invaluable in helping make my past and future bike journeys safe. I have noticed a lot of RUclips presenters encourage “making progress” on any given ride. For me advancing past traffic (be it slipping, lane-filtering, or even a well executed overtake) will undoubtedly introduce an element of increased risk, and when riding in a group (where you “feel obliged” to keep up and make that overtake as well) magnifies such risk many fold. For me, if I assess such manoeuvres will only make a difference of a few minutes to my journey time I will choose to “stay in traffic” and focus on creating a “bubble of safety” around me. Life is far too short already to “make progress” to an early grave, or worst still, an early grave for someone else using the roads.
I use the 'Safety Bubble around me" view when I ride. Don't like filtering as was a pillon in a filtering accident where a car suddenly started doing a U turn in front of us as we were filtering through stand-still traffic. Smacking into the side of the bike. The driver did not look before attempting the turn.
Well done, Phil. I too agree with everything you said. I passed my IAM rider's test 25 year's ago, then their Car driver's test. I have been on at least 10 police BikeSafe courses for civilian riders and now I am an avid follower of your channel. My wife and I feel that scooterists and biker's should not be allowed to keep taking a CBT test every 2 years to stay riding. Most delivery scooterists are terrible riders and many put other road users lives in danger. At the other extreme, I feel all riders and drivers should be forced to retake the test after having had a full licence for 10 years, and/or at age 70 say, whichever occurs first. This would save lives! I'll hide behind the parapet now.
Been watching your videos before my mod 2 ,3 years later I'm still loving them,I come from a racing back ground.... and 100 percent agree the roads are a different world, changing your approach/attitude is SO important... Keep up the great work 👍
Absolutely agree with everything you have said. I ride a sports tourer, I absolutely love riding my bike. I never overtake whatever road I’m on, unless it’s perfectly safe to do so. I keep my wits about me every moment. Basically I never take risks, and enjoy my ride on my bike every time. Unfortunately bikes are so powerful that the need for speed and lack of common sense seems to be the basic problems. So many riders lives could have been saved if they didn’t speed or take unnecessary risks. Looking ahead, anticipating situations, riding to your ability. Get out and enjoy your riding, don’t take risks, anticipate what might happen if you did this or that. Read the road. Ride to the conditions of the road, the weather etc. Don’t take risks or try to ride above your skill level. Ride to your ability and make safe and effective decisions.
I haven’t read all the comments, but from my point of view, I did my CBT in January, I’m now about to start my DAS. Once passed, I want to do Bikesafe and I’m already booked on Biker Down (first aid awareness). I’m 51 and anything and everything I can do to make me a better, safer, more confident rider, the longer my riding journey will be. Today it was really windy and with a lot of cross winds on country roads so I was slow. I don’t care. My safety takes priority over speed and I did hold up cars but as soon as I could, I pulled over to let them pass. The experienced riders I work with have all told me to ‘ride my ride’, and hold my position. I listen to them as they are safe riders. There’s been quite a few deaths in my county in the last month, I don’t want to be another statistic. Ride safe people.
My wife insisted I did advanced training when we got married and I am so glad I did it. Just done my ROSPA retest and maintained my gold - but the best bit is that I now see every ride as a way of improving my skills which stops life getting boring. I'm with you on everything you say. And in that video, the rider had crossed double solid white lines for a second time when his crash happened.
As a police and air ambulance helicopter pilot of thirteen years I saw a lot of fatal RTC scenes as we were tasked to gather video/photographic evidence for the coroner. Groups of riders are particularly vulnerable, it's never the guy in front, generally it's the riders who get separated by traffic and try to make up the ground with excess speed and unsafe overtakes on long left hand bends and undulating roads. The worst scene I attended was a group of around twenty riders, where the front group turned around when they realized the rest had not caught up for some time, Dad arrived back at the RTC scene to find his deceased son. The paramedics I spoke to generally were in agreement that wearing protective clothing keeps all the body parts in one bag, they don't make a rider invulnerable. I survived riding as a youngster in the late 70's and 80's when many didn't so I know the thrill of biking, but the statistics bear out the fact that like flying, riding is very unforgiving of mistakes.
Great video again Phil thanks. Really appreciate you going to the trouble of sharing your professional advice and knowledge in the midst of all the other noise.
Excellent video with great content. I appreciate the fact that has I have grown older (now over 70) that I have learned to enjoy motorcycling for the feeling of freedom and pure pleasure that the ride can give and that it does not have to include excessive speed. Still I am sure that some will just see me as another boring old rider, who doesn't know how to have fun: but how wrong they are.
Unfortunately you're preaching to the converted. The people who need this advice probably wont watch this video. I recently found a lad posting videos of driving his 60 mph escooter on the roads here in Manchester. I held back but eventually had to comment suggesting that he should consider that he was putting everything at risk just for a buzz and should take proper motorcycle training. Im not sure he will heed this advice but I had to try. Great stuff as always, thanks! 🙂👍
so true, my thoughts exactly, young kids riding recklessly on both roads and pavements are an increasing danger, and the police don't do a thing, too busy sat in detector vans picking the low hanging fruit of motorists doing a few mph over the limit.
Great video Phil and 100% right, 53 here, did my mid life crisis DAS at 49, mainly ride a Gen 1 Hayabusa, have only done a few thousand miles since passing (maybe 8-9K ?), would no way say i'm a good rider, i've been a Class1 HGV driver for the last 27 years, might sound funny to some but i have found a lot of the skills with that have helped with the bike, observation, awareness, forward planning, defensive driving/riding etc, i've found most car drivers fine, only a couple of minor SMIDSY's which fortunately i'd predicted, only scares i've had have been a couple of corners where i've gone in a bit hot which was 100% my fault, fortunately stayed upright and came out the other side ok. Very careful about who i ride with, been out with a guy with an FZ1 who is a complete nutter so no rides with him again, i've avoided group rides (they don't appeal TBH), pretty much not in any hurry when i'm out, happy just to plod along, some would say why have a Busa but it's just a lovely big bike to ride, so unstressed at 70 mph, so much low down grunt it's nearly impossible to stall. Might think about advanced training next spring.
Every biker should watch this. I've just returned to riding after a 15 year break and the closest I've come to having a crash was when a group of six bikes came hurtling round a corner on my side of the road in the Lake District. My riding buddy is ex-Police so has seen it all. We ride steady because we want to go home to our families afterwards
i had the same in northumberland a month ago where a pack of about a dozen were all overtaking a car on a narrow b-road as i approached in the opposite direction, im glad i was tootling along and saw it just in time coz they didnt see me, it really shit me up knowing there was little i could have done. GL
Just completed my Enhanced Rider Scheme today on my Africa Twin(manual). Worth the money lads and lassies. Learned a lot and re-learned that which had regressed since passing my MOD1 and MOD2 tests a few years back. Thankyou PWR for these top quality videos. 👍🏍
First time I've found you,been riding nearly 50 years, people won't like it but it's true.every word.people say I'm over cautious....I haven't had an accident since I was 19,66 now,and I intend to have a long and happy motorcycling retirement.
I totally agree with you! I would say, as a former motorcycle instructor, that 80% of motorcycle crashes are down to rider error. Sure, there will be people out there who say 'yeah, but he just pulled out on me!' To which I would say, 'Yes, but you should have predicted that situation and modified your riding'. Observation is key. As a motorcyclist you are far more vulnerable to injury if something goes wrong, so you need to think for yourself AND that idiot driver who is likely to cause you a problem. Ride safe. Love and peace.
Very much agree with your views here, I've ridden more this summer than ever and the number of riders taking risks is staggering, and all for very little , if any, gain. I also think that if another road user makes an effort to help you out, either taking extra care at a junction or moving over for you to filter past, show some appreciation, it goes a loooong way to making good relationships between bikers and drivers, which, in itself, can prevent accidents happening. For example, if a driver takes extra care at a difficult junction that I am approaching, I will make a conscious effort to show appreciation for that, a hand up, a nod etc, that will stay with that driver as a positive for all future difficult junctions and may save a life.
My apologies for the late comment. I spent the last year and a half as a collision investigator here in Los Angeles, California. This past year was the first where traffic fatalities surpassed homicides. Drivers are emboldened by the lack of enforcement of traffic laws and a lax cultural attitude towards traffic safety. As a patrol officer I maybe saw a death a month. As a traffic officer I saw one every other day. I did two tours to Afghanistan in the Marine Corps, and never saw such carnage. I recently graduated the motor officers school, and assigned central Los Angeles. Even in congested urban areas, drivers are doing 20-40 mph over the limit, with predictable results. Your words may be unpopular, but very much needed…
I have been retired now for 10 years but when working I was a Police driver trainer. 8 years after retiring I took and passed the Rospa tests (Gold) for car and bikes to check my skills were still at a good level and to stop any complacency on my part. I think a lot of the 50+ KSI collisions are possibly down to older riders maybe now mortgage free and having the spare finances to buy superbikes and cars without being willing to take any further training and their enthusiasm and adrenaline overwhelming their skill level. The ability for lots of people to now buy superbikes on PCP packages without having done their apprenticeship on lesser bikes doesn't help matters. Another factor being successive governments reducing Traffic Police patrols where the public now think they have more chance of winning the lottery than being spotted driving badly. Too much emphasis on cameras and technology. Many will disagree with my views. That's fine but it's what my personal life experiences have taught me. Ride safe folks. Never faster than your guardian angel can fly.
Nah, its pain it their old backs that makes them go fast as devils so they can get off their supersports ASAP. Joking aside its just as one of previous comments says: they're bunch of well off geezers, buying sophiaticated sport bikes with very small experience, taking bike for spin few time a year when there is no single cloud on the sky.
Great video, been back on a bike for a few years now. I class myself as a very safe rider with good road knowledge and awareness (HGV Driver of 20÷years) decided to do the Cheshire bikesafe course earlier this year and it's really helped/improved my riding experience. Now intend doing the IAM's course next. Stay safe everyone.
Good video with good points. I see too many riders taking chances on a regular basis - not only in the way they ride but also what they wear. Ride safe.
Having just passed my IAM Roadsmart advanced rider test I cannot recommend highly enough the training and learning from experienced people. It's made me a better, safer rider who is willing to learn on every ride and evaluate situations to improve my next ride. I'm not gifted like some when it comes to riding bikes but further training does make you a safer rider. If you are considering going for advanced training I can recommend it highly. If riding out in groups chat to other riders as we all have things to share that can help us ride better. Phil, thank you for the videos. They have been a brilliant resource whilst training.
Great video! All in my opinion obviously - The dumbing down of standards in everything does not help - stuff like auto wipers, lights brakes on road cars etc - I dont belive any of this helps - it encourages not paying attention, because you dont need too - if you dont know when to turn lights or wipers on you shouldnt be driving - if you cant vary speed to conditions you shouldnt be riding / driving - if you need abs, traction, anti-wheelie, auto braking, stupid steering stuff to drive a vehicle without having an accident, you shouldnt be driving / riding. Its the person, not the vehicle, or the speed limit, that is the important factor - we seem to have forgotten this - you cannot legislate away stupidity. But good training can mitigate against it. Decent roads surfaces with clear markings, sighnage and clear sight lines at junctions would help too!
I agree training and mind set is key for improving. Although I think use aids on bikes can only be a good thing, I know all too well riding without them, ensuring you don’t lock up the front wheel in the wet. But if they are available put them on. I’m sure they have saved many a less experienced rider.
This is a very well put together piece about why speed limits are not playing a significant part in reducing motor cycling casualties. I cannot fault the thinking and the conclusions drawn here. My conclusion on the matter of human behavior in all its aspects in the context of this piece, is that all of us road users make choices as we travel and those choices generally determine the outcomes we experience. I have been travelling Britain's roads for over 60 years now in many different driving situations and now conclude that in order to be safe on the road first you have to want to be safe. This attitude has a knock on effect in that your ( my ) desire to be safe means that other road users will also be a little safer. Sorry if this sounds a bit like a a rant, it isn't. Just my two penneth. Ride safe.
I think people should appreciate the value of a having a driving license and be more responsible for there action. I agree with your comment 💯 I driving for a living But when I ride I always remember and appreciate the road. not knowing what’s around that blind corner not know the road conditions we all enjoy the rush but can I react I hope to do my ride out with the police soon to hopefully learn or refresh my memory of what is actually important to do in any given situation
I'm not from the UK, the same is happening in my country. I agree 100%. To me there are no dangerous roads, there are dangerous riders/drivers. I'm way past my 50s and re-entered motorcycling a few years ago. I ride almost every day, to work, shopping, etc. Tasks most people do by car. I believe lack of experience is a problem for many riders. They only ride a few thousand miles per year. Hard to keep up your skills, I think. Also most people do not see riding/driving as a task that needs 100% of your attention. Anticipation is also very important. It happend to me actually today. I had taken a wrong turn, was distracted, approached a junction where I had priority. However the lorry drivers never even saw me and I was just able to avoid crashing into this big lorry. A narrow escape. If I had been riding as I normally do, I would have seen this lorry and anticipated that he was not going to stop long before I had reached the junction. I always ask myself what I could have done different, better even when legally I am not to blame. After all, the only rider/driver you can change is yourself...
Absolutely spot on. I've recently returned to biking after nearly 20 years and it boggles my mind the way that most bikers ride. Maybe it's because I'm naturally cautious but "can you stop safely in the distance you can see to be clear?" just seems like common sense and is something I've always adhered to. Also, many don't seem to appreciate what a potentially dangerous manoeuvre overtaking is; there are so many ways things can go wrong. A macho attitude combined with a massively powerful bike is a disaster waiting to happen.
CBT delivery riders, who have little or no knowledge of the Highway Code or road safety, not only take ridiculous risks but seem totally unaware of the risks they are taking for themselves and others. How you can be permitted to work professionally with a mere few hours training is beyond me. Nobody is allowed to drive a car or van for a living on L Plates. Seeing as the proliferation of CBT delivery riders has only taken place in the last 15 years I wonder how many of them survive the profession unscathed? Maybe their riding mindset is vastly improved upon if they achieve an A2 or A licence, one can only hope so.
When someones tells me of a near miss that they had, that wasn't their fault, I always ask "What could you have done different to avoid that 'near miss'? You must never stop being willing to learn. I'm a retired GardaTraffic Motorcyclist, biking over 35 years now and still learning everyday.
Spot on. I go out with a few friends regularly. I ride a 46hp bike and they ride 80....100hp bikes. I regularly get criticism on my approach to overtaking. If I'm not able to see around corners I certainly don't expose myself to the GAMBLE overtake. I'm normally number 3 and hold up number 4. Our last ride after a change around with a different number 4. His comment was ride within your abilities and what YOUR comfortable with. Don't ride to others abilities and bikes. Sound advice.
Totally agree with your comments. I have started riding again after a 30 year break. Did a refresher course before I bought my bike. I have a RE Hunter 350, not a fast bike. Had to run it in which restricted my speed at the start and I have noticed how drivers tailgate me and expect me to go faster than I am.. because I am on a motorbike. I was riding one particular country road and approaching a blind bend. I slowed right down as the road narrowed and I could hear something coming the other way, preparing to stop, expecting a tractor. The car driver behind me was right up my tail getting pushy, did not like me going so slow into the bend. The last laugh was on the car driver as I reached the bend a very large HGV came around the bend taking up most of the road space. I was able to 'progress' but the car driver had to slam their brakes on. After that incident the car driver caught up with me later down the road but hung back and seemed to respect my riding speed through the bends. Maybe they had learnt something.
I've heard it so many times when bikers discuss a fellow rider " he can really ride" based on their ability to overtake, speed and get their knee down, to the point that the rest of the group now want to emulate this top blokes skills, its a bavardo, testosterone thing I understand .. But hand on heart I've not taken any further training or motorcycle skills courses myself but I know when riding like a reckless fool becomes dangerous and stupid and I've witnessed the end result many times than I care to remember (ex- NHS Paramedic) so these days when a self proclaimed king of speed starts bragging I just switch off ..... sensible video, point well put across ... Cheers PWR
Motorcycles are and have always been seen as exciting yet potentialy dangerous, their reputation for attracting rebellious thrill seekers does perhaps go in some way to explain the accident statistics, the advanced training courses on offer, invariably drum down this excitement and make motorcycling apear dull in the eyes of this group, hence perhaps the very group who would benefit most avoid them. You are wrong about the constant reduction in speed limits being imposed by councils who don't understand why accidents happen, they do, but other options are harder and more expensive to implement, and lowering speed limits is a cheep and easy option to demonstrate that they are taking road safety "seriously". As long as motorcycles are seen as a thrilling and exciting way to travel there will always be accidents, the only way to reduce them is to attract the thrill seekers to advance training schemes, and the only way to do that is to lose the dull, captain sensible, old men on bmw's image portrayed by said schemes, maybe linking time on the road teaching positioning, observation etc, with time on track teaching knee down and wheeling, there are wheelie schools after all
I would agree that people who take extra training courses and safety seriously are probably not the kind of people who need it the most anyway, although any knowledge is good, but i don't know how the thrill seekers will be attracted to tone it down other than maybe a long term tv ad campaign like we had for seat belts, cigarettes, aids and drinking and driving, but doubtful the government would pay for it as we are a minority these days (i still remember the think once, twice, bike we used to have aimed at motorists when i was a kid, and always wondered how they did the crash at the end without killing the stuntman lol). It's a toughie, and maybe only a long term drip feed wherever bikers go and look online would help get the message over. GL
Totally on target. And it is a widespread problem. I'm an aussie rider, got my road license back in '88, 3 years after my car license (after a childhood filled to the brim with dirtbikes). All these years later, btw, I still LOVE rider training. Doing advanced courses is still challenging, esp at superbike school. In australia, the focus on speed limits has also had little impact on road accidents - including car-only fatalities. Unfortunately, in a terrible twist of fate, the State governments discovered that "enforcing the speed limit" (you get a speeding ticket for being 3kph over the limit - that's right, a speed difference less than the difference between readings in different brands of cars) is agreat moneyspinner....literally tens of millions of dollars every year goes to State governments through speeding fines and it is a drug they refuse to give up.....as for the UK, my approach would be entirely like yours - you have some seriously small, restricted roads/lanes there - wow. I now live in Europe and see vastly different approaches to driving in different countries 🤔 - which just reinforces the validity of what you said, and which I live by: in the end, you are responsible for yourself. No use whining about how right you are if it is you in the gutter with broken ribs, legs and ruptured spleen. Personally, I have avoided literally countless attempts to kill me on the roads and have never once let them get me...😄😃
Couldn't agree more. I've recently started riding again after a break of nearly 20 years and It boggles my mind the way that many, I would say most, bikers ride these days. "Can you stop safely in the distance you can see to be clear?" is a key to safer riding and it's one which I have always adhered to, and most riders don't seem to appreciate what a potentially dangerous manoeuvre overtaking is; there are so many ways things can go wrong. A macho attitude and a massively powerful bike is a disaster waiting to happen.
I rode in the 80,s and come back 2010, I found one of the biggest differences were how fast car divers are now.pretty much everything can push you along now.
I completely agree with everything you have said. Interestingly, I ride the exact same roads in your video quite often. I stick to well under 30mph pretty much all the time. And it doesn't feel slow - it feels right. Very high hedges (a bit overgrown at the moment) and very limited views round the bends. Ride them more than a handful of times and you will definitely come across a potential 'problem' just around the corner. And you can't predict what it might be; a car (almost filling the road), bicycle, farm vehicle, and a surprising number of pedestrians (usually with a dog or two). You HAVE to be able to stop within the scope/distance of what you can see. I did motorcycle training with an ex-police motorcycle officer quite a few years back. It was invaluable and immediately and completely changed the way I rode. Particularly with regard to overtaking, road position and speed appropriateness.
Not a “rant” at all. Everything said is completely right and appropriate. Such a shame that the very people who need to see this most probably won’t as they see it as “nanny state” or “infringing their rights” and in their eyes it’s a dull subject not worth their attention. There is nothing better than seeing a motorcycle ridden well and appreciating who that was done. I’d be happy if I rode and never put my foot down than say I got my knee down which in 47 years I’ve never done or wanted to. Good video and great advice, thank you.
All good points. Can definitely recommend BikeSafe. Just starting the IAM. Bit of a anecdote about the 2 second rule. Joined the motorway where lane 1 was crawling nose to tail due to the proximity of the next junction. Wanted to get out into lane 2. Because the traffic I'd just joined was all bunched up I was following too close. No problem, fingers covering the brake. Except instead of allowing a gap to grow ahead of me, I took a quick look in the right mirror. That split second was the point at which my lane came to a dead stop. Got out of it, but too close for comfort. Lesson learned.
You're bang on. I'm 65 years old and have been riding for a long time now after a break in my forties. These guys in the their 50s who can afford to buy a high powered sports bike do not have the road awareness or reactions to cope with speed or ride defensively in todays traffic. What's the answer?
@@iandeumayne-jones1557 Your sweeping statement is arguably harsh....I am in my 50's & ride a 1000cc sports naked bike. Like every rider I am as good as my best ride or as bad my worst. All roadusers are capable of making errors. Every riding day is a school day here
First time viewer here and greatly enjoyed this video. Some interesting points to ponder. I can offer some observations as a UK national who has lived in America for the past 22 years. Getting a license here is very easy but traffic control is much tighter. Speed limits are lower than the UK and double solid lines are everywhere, even in the most remote areas with long straight roads. Yet we have our own Project Zero campaigns that lower speed limits further each year. The thought process that goes into such decisions was made evident when motorcycle groups advocated to legalize land splitting and offered evidence from the few States that allow it, citing University studies and opinions from California Highway Patrol commanders, that it make motorcyclists safer. Politicians ignored all that as the local police chief, with no experience of lane splitting, didn't like it so that was that. No bueno. In terms of riders being our own worse enemies I see that with my friends. They've commented on how my riding improved with training yet they've never felt the need to take any themselves. I always lead our group rides and I now only overtake if it's safe for 2 or 3 of us to pass, cause I know the guy behind me will usually follow me. It's frustrating as they are all experienced riders in the 50+ age bracket yet ride like invincible 20 years old. I don't know what the solution is. However, watching this video makes me realize I've been a bit complacent myself as it's been a few years since my last street training. Finding advanced classes out here is kind of tough though.
I 100% agree with you. Every point is well made. Prompted by your video, I searched for Motorcycle fatalities. The Department of Transport says that fatalities were down by 40% between 2004 and 2022, although what is not clear is what proportion this is compared to the number of motorcyclists on the road. So, it may only be down due to fewer motorcycles on the road. However, I found another statistic: motorcycle ownership was flat between 2008 and 2016 at around 1.1m licences motorcycles (DoT National Travel Survey). So maybe there is hope, it appears that fatalities are actually down. And while motorcycle advanced training is, IMHO, a vital component of managing your own safety, the car-driving public could also do with some training. People are on autopilot a lot of the time, barely paying attention, distracted by many things, and simply unaware of their surroundings, disconnected from the outside world by being insulated in their "cage". This does not absolve you from making sure you ride safely, other than being aware of the low standard of driving competence generally in the UK. I'm just back from a trip through France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany, the standard of driving is so much better, as are the standard of the roads!
I'm 63 and have been riding 45 years (with occasional breaks). Done my advanced rider cert with IAM and planning to go further. This video should be a mandatory watch for every bike rider. Unfortunately the bikers who would benefit most will not watch it😢
Doing advanced rider, IAM does not shield you from these types of events. I have a friend who has done all the courses but still ended up in Kings Hospital
Deaths seem so high this year - so tragic. It’s inspired me to start a RUclips on how to ride safely, and encourage people into courses. Annoyed that video has gone private as was so educational, as you described.
I have to agree. I've only just passed my motorcycle test (I'm in my 50's) and I was surprised that no one on the direct access course suggested any further training afterwards......there was however a worrying degree of machismo about risk taking etc!
Keep teaching brother, there are plenty of new motorcyclist like myself who are soaking up the knowledge you’re giving. I love hearing and learning from people like yourself who are in an entirely different country than me and yet I agree 100%. I’m from the U.S. the state of Alabama.
There's a graph I have seen that shows peaks under 20 for 50cc bikes and rising risk from either 45 or 50 on bikes with a capacity over 500cc I have been off for 10 years because of gluten intolerance induced balance issues. I have booked a 4 hour training session for back to biking
Great video as always. I am 55 and been riding from the age of 16 with only 6 year break. When my son who is no 25 decided 3 years ago he to my horror wanted to do his bike test. I decided I can’t stop him so I can only help him. I decided to get some further training, Bike Safe, Fire Bike, IAM & Rospa. You may remember I did question the IAM which you kindly did a video for me. The amount I have learnt over the last 3 years is far more than have from the previous 35 years. I now have IAM 1st and Rospa Gold. I am currently doing my national observer qualification. My son now has his Rospa Gold too. Its all about further training, it should be mandatory. The difference is massive to your riding. Repeat CBT should be allowed. Regarding a lot of fatalities with 50 plus year olds. I think this is because a lot of this age group ride in groups of a similar age riders with high powered bikes, that sit in the garage all winter and come out in April which is the highest period of serious accidents. They try to keep up with their mates not to loose face and ride beyond their capabilities or at the appropriate speeds for the conditions. Treating the road think a race track even trying to get their knee down. I live in Essex, often ride to Finchingfield and surrounding areas and see riders taking outrageous risks on rural roads. Trying to get these guys to do further training is difficult which is one of the problems. I doubt they ever assess their own rides to see what needs improving. I think the government has done a decent job making it hard for young riders with A2 plus the added cost of insurance they young ones are sticking to the cars hence biking is now for the older person, which does substantiate your comments. It’s a difficult one because how to you convince individuals further training is so important? The government need to do more to make further training mandatory. Cheers Matt
I'm tired of seeing idiots, The overtake chancers, The flat out through a junction people, My ask is this, Stop INVOLVING ME ! the must overtake pack that one by one envelopes me way to close, The biker that is unpolite to other road users, That's clinging me, Then I look bad, I could go on. Here's what I want, Want to overtake, Fine, Overtake, Piss off, leave me alone. Pass me with space, I'll do the same for you, Cyclists have a law of 1.5 metres, Maybe that should be universal for all. If I think 50 is enough for this corner, Don't sit on my arse to push me to go faster, Just overtake, You want to be in front anyways. I like to go out and have a nice day, Let me have a nice day, Get past, Get gone, Have your day also. 🙂🙂🙂
Thank you for bringing back ‘common sense’. I passed my bike test 18 months ago at 61. This alone makes me a cautious rider, also the fact I am still very much the beginner & happily so helps my caution. I have watched ‘proper bikers’ complete manoeuvres that I have thought, there is another one removing themselves from the gene pool, but they got away with it this time. The law of averages will get them. I believe that nothing can be done to help these people unfortunately. Yes, there has to be much better thought put into ‘driver’ education and road safety, hopefully some can be saved.
Glad more you're noticing more people seeking advanced training. I always recommend bikesafe followed by the IAM course to anyone who is a newbie. Best decision I have made and love the social rides where you learn how to ride as a group safely.
Here I am thinking about which Advanced training setups to go for. I know the obvious answer is "any as they are all good" but logically that can not be so. It would be better to have a single DVLA-empowered course that is just like taking your test in the first place. A standardized course. As for speed limit reductions by the councils. You can see how aggressive people are getting due to being "restricted" in what looks like unnecessary areas. Try doing 20 in a 20, once a 30. The tailgaters love it and drive insanely to get past you. Rightly or wrongly, or by design, city drivers are getting more and more aggressive each day so something needs to release this value of frustration and liberty restrictions. So my 2 bobs worth is the state-run Advanced Course (all vehicles) with the carrot being observable insurance premium reductions. To cope with passing people on mass, instructors like yourself could do the assessment as they would see the progress made in skill and mind set to then sign off on it.
Another great video, thanks. I proved the benefits of taking an advanced course only yesterday when a 4x4 driver I was following in a 50 zone, crossed double white lines to the other side of the road and immediately swung back left in front of me to enter a track which met the road at an acute angle, all without indicating or showing brake lights. I slowed down with hard braking to avoid hitting him at 90 degrees, but I wonder if the outcome would have been different had I not completed the IAM course and up-skilled my riding.
About 15 years ago there was a fatal accident on the road that I travel along to work. An elderly chap pulled out of the cemetery into the path of a HGV. The road back then was national speed limit, so 60mph, but was 40 mph for HGVs as it was back then (changed to 50 in about 2014, I think). The wagon wasn't speeding (so doing 40 or less) and the councils reaction was to lower the speed limit on the road to......40mph. I don't know the accident statistics for the road before and after the change but it's always seemed like a knee jerk reaction to me.
Good vid. Been riding since 1967 at the age of 11, with a mobylette acquired for £5, on the old Croydon airport, was a dispatch rider in London for 3 years, using 3 Ariel Leaders (not all at once, they just kept dying), and miraculously survived my '20s riding like a lunatic with mates who were a very bad influence - as was I. I cringe now when I look back at the madness of failing to keep the ego under control, and lost several friends who weren't so lucky. I learnt that every car driver is oblivious to me, and wants to kill me. Of course, that's not true, but if you think it's true, you'll slow down. I now ride assuming the next bend is the one with a tractor pulling out of a field, every hedge has a deer about to erupt from the undergrowth, and the ground that's just out of sight has an oil spill on it. Also, I often have my wife on the pillion, and the thought of ever causing her injury because of my bad judgement fills me with dread. I love riding my bike, and as I approach my 70's, I hope to keep doing it into my 80's. If anyone challenges me to a race, I let them go past, say a prayer for them, there is no chequered flag on public roads. Only a hospital bed, or a hole in the ground. I achieved a 100mph lap of the Isle of Man once, and I remember that with a chill. So lucky my tyres didn't slip, a dog didn't run out, and my brakes didn't fail. Slow down guys, enjoy the fun of a motorcycle, but never respond to a challenge from another driver for a burn up. Finally, never ride a motorcycle in sub 3 degree weather. I've had lots of experience of that, the way your front wheel slips out on black ice is horrific. Stay safe!
Passing my bike test at 50 but plenty of road knowledge being a hgv driver you are on the button with this video taking a bike safe course 2years ago and watching your videos also morostars (seeing the consequences) of the actions your trying to steer us away from I take on board every time I ride thanks
From Northern Ireland here and have had my full bike test for just under 6 months though driving 30 years and come from a motocross background. A friend of a friend was just killed there 2 weeks ago and I’m not sure of all the details but it involved a lorry pulling out on of a side road in a rural area. He was mid 50s and was riding a KTM 990. What I’m learning quickly is that around these parts people tend to get their license and at the start will ride appropriately but unfortunately get into a group scenario and ultimately pick up really bad road etiquette. Ego starts to play a big part in their riding and I see plenty of riders thinking they’re more experienced than what they are and when they head out alone they get into trouble. For these reasons I have removed myself from group rides which is helping me to focus on actually riding properly rather than developing my riding under false egotistical pretensions. Always love your vids and they helped immensely from before I had my license until present. Many thanks!
Wrong choice of machine is the first mistake. To count as a pothole there needs to be a 40mm vertical edge and be 30cm wide. I'd like to take someone from highways on some that don't count at the posted limit. Some of the holes are in the middle that you need to cross for overtaking. Sunday staffing at A&E is minimal.
Well said training is the thing. I past my test in 1970. Roads were not like they are today. Best thing I ever did was compete my IAM test then go on to pass the masters with distinction and then become a National Observer. Moto of the story you learn something every day.
Its always the usual fair weather only summer sportbikers that become statistics its no suprise there pair that with group rides doubles the statistics.
I totally agree with you. I think that in 100% of accidents, the rider could have done something to avoid, or lessen the impact. Back in 2005, after 2 years of riding my first bike, an Aprilia Futura 1000RST, someone pulled out on me, on my way back from work. It was February, -2degC, snow had started falling, and the road was freezing. As I approached a well known accident black spot on the A6 from Market Harborough to Kettering, there was a right hand turn to Great Bowden (I think). (There's a roundabout there now). Anyway, I rode this road, 4 times each week in each direction from Kettering to Leicester> !n 2005, this turn had a central reservation which measured a quarter of a mile from solid lined reservation and island. The road has 3 lanes beyond the reservation going up the hill to Kettering. That central overtaking lane was available for overtakes to vehicles going up or down the hill. Of course, especially in the downhill towards Mkt Harboro' meant that cars were reaching very high speeds before the junction. It was also a very busy road and junction. As I approached, long before the island started, I dropped my speed from 60mph to 50mph, pulled to the nearside of the lane, and looked across at the car sitting in junction waiting to turn into my road. I put my lights on full. As I got close, cars were coming down the hill, and I kept looking. He pulled out, and I realised that if I stayed where I was, he would swerve right out in front and I couldn't jam the brakes due to the weather conditions and road conditions. I opted to ride diagonally towards the island to get behind him whilst cadence braking to lose speed and reduce the chance of skidding. Just as I thought I was going to make it, he must have hit the rev limiter or changed gear. In that split second that the car stopped. I hit his rear offside back. I went up in the air and the bike came up with me. As I fell the bike landed on its side, and I landed on the footpeg, square into my back. Now here is something. That morning when I was leaving for work, I rode of my drive, got to the bottom of it (had a long drive in those days) and thought "this feels funny!" I got to the main A6 road in Burton Latimer, and thought, "this feels funny!". I got to the A14 roundabout with the A6 and realised, I hadn't put my back protector on. I had a Spidi full length back protector with kidney belt. I was late for a meeting, but something told me to go home and put it on, which I did. If I didn't have that back protector on, as the surgeon said, I would definitely been paralysed, and most likely been dead. Think about that, if I had decided to rush to the meeting and not put my back protector on, I would have had no protection because I had taken the little one out of my jacket. That was the best £105, I have ever spent in my life. Now, it was clearly proven, by witnesses and investigators that I was not at fault, but had I dropped to 40mph, I probably could have avoided hitting him without having to take the diagonal line, which on the surface, as the Police investigator said, was brilliant thinking. However, it might have been smart, but I still hit the back of him. So there's two lessons in my opinion, here, slow right down for junctions, and always, always wear a back protector and good quality safety equipment. The thing that prevents me from riding like a twat, though I do ride fast when all the conditions allow, is thinking what impact I have on those I leave behind. If you can say that your life has no impact on others, your loved ones, your friends, your work colleagues, then perhaps you might ride like a twat. HOWEVER, you should also consider the impact your actions have or might have on others, and the people they might leave behind, if you cause their death. I know all our cowboy friends that jump on a 1000cc bike after a quick ride to and fro the licensing officer, will say this is sh!te. However, anyone that acts like a divvy, gets what they deserve. Yes, I jumped on a 1000cc after passing my test. However, I had driven all over the UK and Europe for 22 years in Ferraris, Mercs, etc with never a single point on my licence and only 1 non-fault accident. The throttle goes both ways and as you said, you need discipline and self-control. Bike accidents can be reduced in the UK quite simply: 1) all riders must have driven a car for 5 years or 50k miles whichever is greater. 2) All car drivers must take the CBT as part of their driving licence. This way, experience is the key. 3) We should implement the German system whereby if you fail your driving test 3 times, you never get a licence.
Absolutely spot on with your comments, sadly those making the policies rarely listen. I get consultation e-mails from Canterbury Council regarding road layout and speed changes, most recently was a proposed limit change from 50 to 40mph - to reduce accidents. However the attached documents contained no evidence, just "Barnham" statements regarding safety etc. When pushed for the data - it showed the average speed on the road was 38mph - in effect the limit change would achieve nothing. I objected on that basis, they did it anyway...
I can't disagree with anything you've said in this video, Education really is the key to improving skills and attitudes, and we do need some incentive to encourage people to improve both. Quite apart from incentivising driving and riding development, I think that we could do with something like the public information films we used to see on the BBC in the sixties. Although I was quite young, I can still remember that there were amusing animated cartoons which attempted to educate people and address poor attitudes. I'm new to riding, but have, within the last year, completed both ERS and Bikesafe courses. I appreciate that they do not give me the experience of someone who has been riding for fifty years, but both experiences have been very valuable to me and I do try to take what I have learnt and ride accordingly. Not only should these courses be incentivised in some way, but similar courses should be available to drivers, with similar incentives.
I seen that video and watched it time and time again, seeing him committing to crossing double white lines on the approach to the blind left hand bend is exactly what you’re saying. I like other people, have returned to biking after a 25 year break. I have watched so many videos to understand why they crash, just come across your video and appreciate your knowledge, especially taking the time to share it with others, thank you. I totally agree that education is the way forward but there’s not enough emphasis on car drivers being made more aware of other types of vehicles such as motorcycles, push bikes, HGV’s on the road and the challenges they face with cars! Thanks again.
I started riding at 35 and am still in the sport bike phase now 5 years later. I went from 125 to GSXR1000. I read a comment once - "the best skill you can have on a motorcycle is judgement" I wear all the gear, say a prayer and enjoy the ride every time.
I always think that you are always the student on a motorcycle. You never stop learning or should want to. Taking further training is essential if you want to be the safest and best biker you can be. There are a lot of bikers out there (and I've met them )who think "Well I've got my licence now. I can do what I like!" They're the kind of biker I don't want to ride with. What's also interesting is that mod 1 and 2 were designed to bring down the amount of motorcycle accidents. Has it? Not really. I hope the proposed changes come into place soon (from NMC) like going back to a singular test. Also training schools to issue licences. You as an instructor have more concept than anyone to whether a student deserves to have a licence or not. The other interesting thing is that the majority of accidents are people on sports bikes and adventure bikes. I'm from Argyll & Bute Scotland. We have all the twisties on our doorstep. 9 times out of ten when I hear that there's been another motorcycle accident, that's what they are on. If you want to ride like an idiot don't expect to come back alive. I totally agree with everything you are saying. Great video.
Hi I just wanted to say a big thankyou,yesterday I passed my mod 1,and I can honestly say without your input and all your training videos wich I have watched back to back solidly for the past year and great tips well I'm not sure I would of passed without them,not only that I feel it's give me a excellent foundation and methodical structure of safety to be able to use this in my tool box for all my future adventures,just have to get through mod 2 next,just waiting for a slot,but again a real big thankyou and I'm sure you are making this difference to many more of us,kind regards Chris C.
Many thanks for your comment Chris, really appreciated. Congratulations on your pass, I wish you well for your mod 2. Please let me know how you get on. Ride safe
🇨🇦 lady here again. Comforting to know that most accidents are self caused or avoidable. Because, knowing this means we CAN absolutely do things to keep ourselves safer and aren't just crazy for wanting to ride. Our cage drivers do not stay aware that bikers are around so the.Gov't starts putting up road notices to actually look for bikers each May and then that's about the extent of it. We need education for drivers as well as riders. Our mountain roads are incredible and beautiful, but high altitide, twisty, and have hazards like sudden weather changes, rockfalls, mountain sheep, deer, and no fuel stations or places to turn around for hundreds of kilometers. The Coquihalla highway, ~350km stretch, went up to 120km/hr (75 mph) from 110. It didn't make things worse but that particular highway is very well maintained. We have much the same problems with riders here, but also it can get hot and many don't wear all of the gear. Keep on with this excellent channel please. I love it. ps. I'm also a brit too. Ride safe and keep the two wheels down.
You refer to changing motorists behaviour. Behaviour is an extremely difficult thing to change unless the person wants to change. In an ideal world everyone would be interested in continuous improvement and training however many drivers see driving as either an opportunity to switch off or an opportunity to experience some adrenaline. Both are recipes for disaster. How then to motivate people to change their behaviour? One of the best ways is through feedback and support but this can only be done by someone who observes the motorist and is respected, or by regular and periodic training. I renewed my road tax recently online and it occurred to me that if prior to allowing someone to buy Road tax they were required to undertake a theory test similar to the driving theory test then it may be a good opportunity to highlight road observation and appropriate behaviour? Sometimes poor behaviour is simply the result of ignorance and some of the old road safety adverts on the tv were brilliant at pointing out the possible consequences of dangerous behaviour. It puzzles me why we don’t see more of those messages online and on the tv. Constant reinforcement is a vital component of training.
Very well put. I'm an ex blue light driver, nothing as advanced as many police officers. I have just this year passed my cbt, and I have noticed how my riding has changed to driving a car. I'm hyper aware of everyone and everything, as I know how vulnerable I am. Speed is definitely a common theme in most accidents, but the one thing that is always present is inability and poor planning for the conditions. I wish the councils would improve drainage, use higher quality tarmac instead of the cheap stuff. And I honestly believe that every road user should do a yearly road safety course. I'm looking forward to completing my A2 licence and getting on an advanced course. Only downside is that you're too far away for me to be on one of yours. Before my cbt your videos really helped me gain knowledge and confidence, so thank you.
Whist the powers that be harp on and on about speed being a major cause of collisions its not quite true. Speed in excess of he speed limit are down the list of causations. That said its the use of unnecessary or inappropriate speeds that are within the speed limits that are responsible for far more collision. In fact the greatest numbers of collisions and incidents, apparent loss of comtrol, fall offs etc. are caused by THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM and that is TAILGATING . That being driving or riding too close to the vehicle in front,. As a consequence one is being unable to see other traffic and not allowing all other traffic to see us. Consequentially being too close causes many of the accidents that are classified as smidsys at junctions etc. All the training and safety authorities are aware if of the problem, I have made them aware, but still after over 10 years of stating that fact they still do nothing about it. How can they when its suggested, no recommended that one can drive or ride much closer than the 2 second rule by both the Police and the Governments through the DVSA. This government and previous governments would rather rely on the '20 is plenty scheme' [ the only nationally supported road safety scheme for the last 15 years ] which has in that time not proven itself to dramatically reduce the numbers of incidents and as a result the present carnage we suffer on our roads to this day. By simply the giving of SAFER STOPPING DISTANCES we could dramatically reduce the numbers of such collisions and their resulting deaths, injuries etc.
I totally agree with everything you have said. The type of country lanes that you are riding in this video are similar to the lanes I sometimes ride around Essex and Herts (also cycled them), so on our bikes we should and can ride at the appropriate speed, but what happens when cars or other bikes speed around these lanes without care for the appropriate speed and suddenly come towards us? On a narrow lane we may not be able to avoid a collision. So motorcycling these back lanes can be very risky and reducing our speed may not help. What do you think?
I agrea however, I had a day with IAM and with the need to progress, I had a shocking day racing around blind corners. I never went back. Riding for 37 years, ride safely generally, no accident. I am happy to have proper advanced training but, the experience I had was not positive.
Very sad to hear, but not the first time I have heard this. But there are responsible trainers and IAM members out there too, glad your biking is going well despite your experience. All the best
I would agree with everything you have said. An example of reducing a speed limit in the “name of safety” is on the A20 on the London Kent border. It used to 60 then 50 now 40, it is a 2 lane carriageway going into a 3 lane at which point it is a National limit, there is a slip round joining from the left, all along the carriageway there is excellent visibility. Even where the slip road joins you still have good visibility onto it from the main carriageway. I am at a complete loss to understand why the limit has been reduced to 40, if i was cynical i would say it is financially motivated. I do not think you can ever get enough training, i take every opportunity to get eyes on my riding, i am a ROSPA Gold level but would describe myself as hopefully competent. I like to make progress but not at the cost of safety. Great content as always, Ride Smart and Ride Safe.
Thanks for the video. I've been considering taking a advanced course, and will do one now. You're totally spot on and the complete difference between real road riding, and racing on a perfect roads. Which don't exist.
Completely agree. This is something I have been thinking about lately, what with all the serious motorcycle RTC's recently. I did my IAM rider training in the early 90's, redoing it last year with my son who had just passed his CBT and motorcycle test. I bribed him to do it by offering him my Fazer Thou' if he did his IAM, he got a F1st last week, chuffed. Advanced training transformed my riding in the 90's and re training and taking the test again has improved it greatly again. How do we encourage more motorcyclists to take additional training? I have tried with members in my local groups, unfortunately with little success. Also agree with your views on speed limit reductions. Keep up the good work.
Not convinced that you can conclude that riders in their 50s are more susceptible to being KSI victims than riders in other age groups, unless you have sight of an age profile of the whole population of UK bike riders. My strong impression, from riding the roads and visiting cafes and places where bikers 'hang out', is that older people form the bulk of the biker population... Perhaps the reason that riders in their 20s and 30s and 40s have a lesser representation in the KSI statistics is that there are just fewer of them about and, therefore, their chance of being involved in any particular incident/accident is less. ??? Possibly the people who get a bike licence in their 20s see the light, decide getting cold and wet every time they get the bike out isn't much fun, get a car, have children, have responsibilities, don't have the time / money for motorcycling, and it is something people come back to later in life? I don't know but I do wonder if the apparent over-representation of riders in their 50s is an artifact.
yup...it's a fact that most cannot seem to work out, if most motorcycle users are men in their 50's ( which is the case in every english speaking nation ), then guess what?
100 percent agree , its not speed that kills its inappropriate speed. As an hgv driver years ago in a national it went from 40mph limit to 50mph for us hgv mainly because I reckon cars would do suicide overtakes, I'd always run at 50 if appropriate as car speeds show faster , a following car would think well the truck nearly doing the limit so I'll follow until its safer on a dual maybe. Wales 1st minister who made a blanket 20 from a 30 is a non driver ! Roads that where for 90 odd years a safe30 with no accidents is now a stupid unnecessary 20
I am of the opinion that speed limits are often imposed by college graduates who use statistical modelling on computers to suggest that lower speeds will be safer - of course they'll be safer if they're obeyed, and the safest speed of all would be walking pace! I live in Wales, and I have seen the effect that putting a 20mph blanket speed limit into place has made. I regularly get stuck behind timid drivers doing 15mph in posted 30mph or 40mph zones. This only increases drivers frustration, which in turn reduces their concentration levels and even makes some drivers behave dangerously and overtake aggressively. Unfortunately, even though the Senedd has declared that local authorities are at liberty to restore speed limits where they see fit to do so, the mantra that lower speed limits saves lives means that there are very few places where this will actually happen.
Love to hear your thoughts on this. It amazes me how many questions on bike groups are answered by people who don’t really understand what they are doing. It feels like 99% of riders only have their test pass behind them, and no further training is even considered.
You are quite correct. Retired Police Motorcyclist and accident investigator, I saw that video and was commenting on the third rider following the lead bike, he would always be several seconds behind! I saw the overtake, on double white lines, accident was inevitable. Rider was lucky.
Never a More True Statement ( Ride your own Ride ) I ride every Sunday all year round These days , Year ago i used to Comute to work and Back 200 Miles plus every week I now drive a company Vehicle Monday to Friday. 3 Years ago on the Road i normally ride i used to meet 3 Riders going Flat out on a Country road its a 60 mph limit , A couple of times i was almost into the hedge to avoid them on my side of the road as they Straight lined those few corners on that road ( Which could be done safely ) If nothing is coming the other way. A couple of weeks before Christmas 3 Years ago i came around a sweeping bend to see a Honda Fireblade in Repsol Colours it was one of the 3 guys who passed me every week lying in the middle of the road on its side , The 2 other guys bikes were parked at the side of the road But no one in sight . All 3 were in the field and the Repsol guy was Unconscious I Rang for Police and an Ambulance That Guy did not survive he was in his early 20,s With a child on the way I later heard. I have Never seen the 2 other guys since It took the Death of their friend to wise them up
I agree. I've been riding for many years, and the "Ride your own way" motto when riding with others is good advice. I prefer to ride alone (often with a pillion) rather than with other bikes. Some ppl do use the road like a race track and it's dangerous not just for them, but other road users.
I absolutely love your channel. I'm a female biker in England and got my cbt September 2023 and A license may 2024. I've had a full training day with rapid and I learned so much especially when it came to speed, positioning ,looking ahead and anticipating what's to come. Changed the while riding experience .what you learn to pass your full license is only the basic and sometimes luck, you have a good day on test day and pass. Then the next day you seem to not know how to ride properly but you've got a full license . Once I get more money I'm doing more training .
Training is the only way we gain muscle memory for new processes and habits. If you are able to invest the £200ish it takes to join an IAM course, this will help spread that habit forming over 6 months or more of training and provide an advanced test pass as an outcome. You get as many rides as it takes, but you will come out a more safe and thinking rider which is not possible from a single day training. It’s the best money you will ever spend on your bike 👍
The fatality rate of motorcyclists in the UK is more than double the average rate in the EU. The fatality rate is 26 deaths per 100,000 motorcycles in the UK compared to 11 in the EU. Maybe a part of the reason is that motorcycles are not that common in the UK. The UK only has 18 motorcycles per 1000 inhabitants. The EU has 45. The mentality of British tourers are revealed in many vlogs posted here on RUclips. A lot of talk about speed limits, cameras and police. Could the British mentality be the main reason?
You’re talking so much sense. It’s a pity that the transport minister doesn’t think that way. I’ve absolutely no idea what it’s going to take before extra training becomes mandatory.
Totally agree, in my opinion all types of vehicles drive too fast. When I did my HGV I was told "loose your view, loose your speed" and I keep that with me no matter what I'm driving / riding. Obviously there is a massive problem with discipline, immaturity and respect for not only the road but other road user's aswell, it's my belief that that is the main problem. Unfortunately I can only see it getting worse as the majority of younger generations get on the road as they have no respect, discipline or maturity for anything. Keep up the good work 👍
Spot on. My background is police crash investigation and traffic management. Although now retired I see every journey, on two or four wheels, as an opportunity to maintain and improve my awareness and driving skills. I applaud all those organisations, and individuals like yourself, who provide training. However, motorists and bikers alike need to recognise that they need to improve and make that commitment. Keep up the good work! 👍🏻
Totally agree…I am a returning rider after….43 years of not riding, I love being back on a bike….my fun part that I never used to do is this….I try and ride the best I can, from road position, awareness, breaking, observations….good distance from cars etc….I end up with a short time in a car park going through a few exercises, then later when back home, I assess how I thought my ride went, I’ll be honest, there is much room for improvement, I need to sus out our awful roads in Jersey more….conditions change….autumn leaves for a start…..it’s fun to look at what you do…..I’ll never be perfect, but I can try…..another good habit I have now is, before each trip, I check over my bike, tyres, pressures, chain and lights, check the breaks work…oh and make sure your helmet visor is clean…..yeah I sound like an old fart….but I care not…long gone are my LC 250 mad days…..cheers.
I’m in my 60’s and returned to biking after a 45 year gap. I have found your videos invaluable in helping make my past and future bike journeys safe.
I have noticed a lot of RUclips presenters encourage “making progress” on any given ride. For me advancing past traffic (be it slipping, lane-filtering, or even a well executed overtake) will undoubtedly introduce an element of increased risk, and when riding in a group (where you “feel obliged” to keep up and make that overtake as well) magnifies such risk many fold.
For me, if I assess such manoeuvres will only make a difference of a few minutes to my journey time I will choose to “stay in traffic” and focus on creating a “bubble of safety” around me. Life is far too short already to “make progress” to an early grave, or worst still, an early grave for someone else using the roads.
Spot on. Making safe progress is all about your confidence, skill and experience. Ride your own ride.
I use the 'Safety Bubble around me" view when I ride. Don't like filtering as was a pillon in a filtering accident where a car suddenly started doing a U turn in front of us as we were filtering through stand-still traffic. Smacking into the side of the bike. The driver did not look before attempting the turn.
Well done, Phil. I too agree with everything you said.
I passed my IAM rider's test 25 year's ago, then their Car driver's test. I have been on at least 10 police BikeSafe courses for civilian riders and now I am an avid follower of your channel.
My wife and I feel that scooterists and biker's should not be allowed to keep taking a CBT test every 2 years to stay riding. Most delivery scooterists are terrible riders and many put other road users lives in danger.
At the other extreme, I feel all riders and drivers should be forced to retake the test after having had a full licence for 10 years, and/or at age 70 say, whichever occurs first. This would save lives!
I'll hide behind the parapet now.
Been watching your videos before my mod 2 ,3 years later I'm still loving them,I come from a racing back ground.... and 100 percent agree the roads are a different world, changing your approach/attitude is SO important... Keep up the great work 👍
Absolutely agree with everything you have said. I ride a sports tourer, I absolutely love riding my bike. I never overtake whatever road I’m on, unless it’s perfectly safe to do so. I keep my wits about me every moment. Basically I never take risks, and enjoy my ride on my bike every time. Unfortunately bikes are so powerful that the need for speed and lack of common sense seems to be the basic problems. So many riders lives could have been saved if they didn’t speed or take unnecessary risks. Looking ahead, anticipating situations, riding to your ability. Get out and enjoy your riding, don’t take risks, anticipate what might happen if you did this or that. Read the road. Ride to the conditions of the road, the weather etc. Don’t take risks or try to ride above your skill level. Ride to your ability and make safe and effective decisions.
I haven’t read all the comments, but from my point of view, I did my CBT in January, I’m now about to start my DAS. Once passed, I want to do Bikesafe and I’m already booked on Biker Down (first aid awareness). I’m 51 and anything and everything I can do to make me a better, safer, more confident rider, the longer my riding journey will be.
Today it was really windy and with a lot of cross winds on country roads so I was slow. I don’t care. My safety takes priority over speed and I did hold up cars but as soon as I could, I pulled over to let them pass.
The experienced riders I work with have all told me to ‘ride my ride’, and hold my position. I listen to them as they are safe riders.
There’s been quite a few deaths in my county in the last month, I don’t want to be another statistic.
Ride safe people.
My wife insisted I did advanced training when we got married and I am so glad I did it. Just done my ROSPA retest and maintained my gold - but the best bit is that I now see every ride as a way of improving my skills which stops life getting boring. I'm with you on everything you say. And in that video, the rider had crossed double solid white lines for a second time when his crash happened.
As a police and air ambulance helicopter pilot of thirteen years I saw a lot of fatal RTC scenes as we were tasked to gather video/photographic evidence for the coroner.
Groups of riders are particularly vulnerable, it's never the guy in front, generally it's the riders who get separated by traffic and try to make up the ground with excess speed and unsafe overtakes on long left hand bends and undulating roads.
The worst scene I attended was a group of around twenty riders, where the front group turned around when they realized the rest had not caught up for some time, Dad arrived back at the RTC scene to find his deceased son.
The paramedics I spoke to generally were in agreement that wearing protective clothing keeps all the body parts in one bag, they don't make a rider invulnerable. I survived riding as a youngster in the late 70's and 80's when many didn't so I know the thrill of biking, but the statistics bear out the fact that like flying, riding is very unforgiving of mistakes.
Thank you for your comments here. Information and anecdotes from emergency services professionals can often be of help, much appreciated.
Great video again Phil thanks. Really appreciate you going to the trouble of sharing your professional advice and knowledge in the midst of all the other noise.
Excellent video with great content. I appreciate the fact that has I have grown older (now over 70) that I have learned to enjoy motorcycling for the feeling of freedom and pure pleasure that the ride can give and that it does not have to include excessive speed. Still I am sure that some will just see me as another boring old rider, who doesn't know how to have fun: but how wrong they are.
Unfortunately you're preaching to the converted. The people who need this advice probably wont watch this video. I recently found a lad posting videos of driving his 60 mph escooter on the roads here in Manchester. I held back but eventually had to comment suggesting that he should consider that he was putting everything at risk just for a buzz and should take proper motorcycle training. Im not sure he will heed this advice but I had to try. Great stuff as always, thanks! 🙂👍
so true, my thoughts exactly, young kids riding recklessly on both roads and pavements are an increasing danger, and the police don't do a thing, too busy sat in detector vans picking the low hanging fruit of motorists doing a few mph over the limit.
Ego is a big issue.
Great video Phil and 100% right, 53 here, did my mid life crisis DAS at 49, mainly ride a Gen 1 Hayabusa, have only done a few thousand miles since passing (maybe 8-9K ?), would no way say i'm a good rider, i've been a Class1 HGV driver for the last 27 years, might sound funny to some but i have found a lot of the skills with that have helped with the bike, observation, awareness, forward planning, defensive driving/riding etc, i've found most car drivers fine, only a couple of minor SMIDSY's which fortunately i'd predicted, only scares i've had have been a couple of corners where i've gone in a bit hot which was 100% my fault, fortunately stayed upright and came out the other side ok. Very careful about who i ride with, been out with a guy with an FZ1 who is a complete nutter so no rides with him again, i've avoided group rides (they don't appeal TBH), pretty much not in any hurry when i'm out, happy just to plod along, some would say why have a Busa but it's just a lovely big bike to ride, so unstressed at 70 mph, so much low down grunt it's nearly impossible to stall. Might think about advanced training next spring.
Every biker should watch this. I've just returned to riding after a 15 year break and the closest I've come to having a crash was when a group of six bikes came hurtling round a corner on my side of the road in the Lake District. My riding buddy is ex-Police so has seen it all. We ride steady because we want to go home to our families afterwards
i had the same in northumberland a month ago where a pack of about a dozen were all overtaking a car on a narrow b-road as i approached in the opposite direction, im glad i was tootling along and saw it just in time coz they didnt see me, it really shit me up knowing there was little i could have done. GL
Just completed my Enhanced Rider Scheme today on my Africa Twin(manual). Worth the money lads and lassies. Learned a lot and re-learned that which had regressed since passing my MOD1 and MOD2 tests a few years back. Thankyou PWR for these top quality videos. 👍🏍
First time I've found you,been riding nearly 50 years, people won't like it but it's true.every word.people say I'm over cautious....I haven't had an accident since I was 19,66 now,and I intend to have a long and happy motorcycling retirement.
I totally agree with you! I would say, as a former motorcycle instructor, that 80% of motorcycle crashes are down to rider error.
Sure, there will be people out there who say 'yeah, but he just pulled out on me!'
To which I would say, 'Yes, but you should have predicted that situation and modified your riding'. Observation is key.
As a motorcyclist you are far more vulnerable to injury if something goes wrong, so you need to think for yourself AND that idiot driver who is likely to cause you a problem.
Ride safe.
Love and peace.
Very much agree with your views here, I've ridden more this summer than ever and the number of riders taking risks is staggering, and all for very little , if any, gain. I also think that if another road user makes an effort to help you out, either taking extra care at a junction or moving over for you to filter past, show some appreciation, it goes a loooong way to making good relationships between bikers and drivers, which, in itself, can prevent accidents happening. For example, if a driver takes extra care at a difficult junction that I am approaching, I will make a conscious effort to show appreciation for that, a hand up, a nod etc, that will stay with that driver as a positive for all future difficult junctions and may save a life.
My apologies for the late comment.
I spent the last year and a half as a collision investigator here in Los Angeles, California. This past year was the first where traffic fatalities surpassed homicides. Drivers are emboldened by the lack of enforcement of traffic laws and a lax cultural attitude towards traffic safety. As a patrol officer I maybe saw a death a month. As a traffic officer I saw one every other day. I did two tours to Afghanistan in the Marine Corps, and never saw such carnage. I recently graduated the motor officers school, and assigned central Los Angeles. Even in congested urban areas, drivers are doing 20-40 mph over the limit, with predictable results.
Your words may be unpopular, but very much needed…
I have been retired now for 10 years but when working I was a Police driver trainer. 8 years after retiring I took and passed the Rospa tests (Gold) for car and bikes to check my skills were still at a good level and to stop any complacency on my part. I think a lot of the 50+ KSI collisions are possibly down to older riders maybe now mortgage free and having the spare finances to buy superbikes and cars without being willing to take any further training and their enthusiasm and adrenaline overwhelming their skill level. The ability for lots of people to now buy superbikes on PCP packages without having done their apprenticeship on lesser bikes doesn't help matters. Another factor being successive governments reducing Traffic Police patrols where the public now think they have more chance of winning the lottery than being spotted driving badly. Too much emphasis on cameras and technology. Many will disagree with my views. That's fine but it's what my personal life experiences have taught me. Ride safe folks. Never faster than your guardian angel can fly.
Nah, its pain it their old backs that makes them go fast as devils so they can get off their supersports ASAP. Joking aside its just as one of previous comments says: they're bunch of well off geezers, buying sophiaticated sport bikes with very small experience, taking bike for spin few time a year when there is no single cloud on the sky.
Great video, been back on a bike for a few years now. I class myself as a very safe rider with good road knowledge and awareness (HGV Driver of 20÷years) decided to do the Cheshire bikesafe course earlier this year and it's really helped/improved my riding experience. Now intend doing the IAM's course next. Stay safe everyone.
Good video with good points. I see too many riders taking chances on a regular basis - not only in the way they ride but also what they wear. Ride safe.
Having just passed my IAM Roadsmart advanced rider test I cannot recommend highly enough the training and learning from experienced people. It's made me a better, safer rider who is willing to learn on every ride and evaluate situations to improve my next ride. I'm not gifted like some when it comes to riding bikes but further training does make you a safer rider. If you are considering going for advanced training I can recommend it highly. If riding out in groups chat to other riders as we all have things to share that can help us ride better. Phil, thank you for the videos. They have been a brilliant resource whilst training.
Great video!
All in my opinion obviously - The dumbing down of standards in everything does not help - stuff like auto wipers, lights brakes on road cars etc - I dont belive any of this helps - it encourages not paying attention, because you dont need too - if you dont know when to turn lights or wipers on you shouldnt be driving - if you cant vary speed to conditions you shouldnt be riding / driving - if you need abs, traction, anti-wheelie, auto braking, stupid steering stuff to drive a vehicle without having an accident, you shouldnt be driving / riding. Its the person, not the vehicle, or the speed limit, that is the important factor - we seem to have forgotten this - you cannot legislate away stupidity. But good training can mitigate against it.
Decent roads surfaces with clear markings, sighnage and clear sight lines at junctions would help too!
I agree training and mind set is key for improving. Although I think use aids on bikes can only be a good thing, I know all too well riding without them, ensuring you don’t lock up the front wheel in the wet. But if they are available put them on. I’m sure they have saved many a less experienced rider.
Whichever way you look at it, no-one can argue with all your points gr8 vid keep rockin 👍
This is a very well put together piece about why speed limits are not playing a significant part in reducing motor cycling casualties. I cannot fault the thinking and the conclusions drawn here. My conclusion on the matter of human behavior in all its aspects in the context of this piece, is that all of us road users make choices as we travel and those choices generally determine the outcomes we experience. I have been travelling Britain's roads for over 60 years now in many different driving situations and now conclude that in order to be safe on the road first you have to want to be safe. This attitude has a knock on effect in that your ( my ) desire to be safe means that other road users will also be a little safer. Sorry if this sounds a bit like a a rant, it isn't. Just my two penneth. Ride safe.
I think people should appreciate the value of a having a driving license and be more responsible for there action. I agree with your comment 💯
I driving for a living
But when I ride I always remember and appreciate the road. not knowing what’s around that blind corner not know the road conditions we all enjoy the rush but can I react
I hope to do my ride out with the police soon to hopefully learn or refresh my memory of what is actually important to do in any given situation
I'm not from the UK, the same is happening in my country. I agree 100%. To me there are no dangerous roads, there are dangerous riders/drivers. I'm way past my 50s and re-entered motorcycling a few years ago. I ride almost every day, to work, shopping, etc. Tasks most people do by car. I believe lack of experience is a problem for many riders. They only ride a few thousand miles per year. Hard to keep up your skills, I think. Also most people do not see riding/driving as a task that needs 100% of your attention. Anticipation is also very important. It happend to me actually today. I had taken a wrong turn, was distracted, approached a junction where I had priority. However the lorry drivers never even saw me and I was just able to avoid crashing into this big lorry. A narrow escape. If I had been riding as I normally do, I would have seen this lorry and anticipated that he was not going to stop long before I had reached the junction. I always ask myself what I could have done different, better even when legally I am not to blame. After all, the only rider/driver you can change is yourself...
Absolutely spot on. I've recently returned to biking after nearly 20 years and it boggles my mind the way that most bikers ride. Maybe it's because I'm naturally cautious but "can you stop safely in the distance you can see to be clear?" just seems like common sense and is something I've always adhered to. Also, many don't seem to appreciate what a potentially dangerous manoeuvre overtaking is; there are so many ways things can go wrong. A macho attitude combined with a massively powerful bike is a disaster waiting to happen.
CBT delivery riders, who have little or no knowledge of the Highway Code or road safety, not only take ridiculous risks but seem totally unaware of the risks they are taking for themselves and others.
How you can be permitted to work professionally with a mere few hours training is beyond me. Nobody is allowed to drive a car or van for a living on L Plates.
Seeing as the proliferation of CBT delivery riders has only taken place in the last 15 years I wonder how many of them survive the profession unscathed?
Maybe their riding mindset is vastly improved upon if they achieve an A2 or A licence, one can only hope so.
Spot on. Shouldn't be allowed to be a professional driver/rider on a provisional license.
When someones tells me of a near miss that they had, that wasn't their fault, I always ask "What could you have done different to avoid that 'near miss'? You must never stop being willing to learn. I'm a retired GardaTraffic Motorcyclist, biking over 35 years now and still learning everyday.
Spot on. I go out with a few friends regularly. I ride a 46hp bike and they ride 80....100hp bikes. I regularly get criticism on my approach to overtaking. If I'm not able to see around corners I certainly don't expose myself to the GAMBLE overtake. I'm normally number 3 and hold up number 4. Our last ride after a change around with a different number 4. His comment was ride within your abilities and what YOUR comfortable with. Don't ride to others abilities and bikes. Sound advice.
Thanks Phil for another great well presented video
Let's hope they are watching if you know what I mean
Regards hope your well
Totally agree with your comments. I have started riding again after a 30 year break. Did a refresher course before I bought my bike. I have a RE Hunter 350, not a fast bike. Had to run it in which restricted my speed at the start and I have noticed how drivers tailgate me and expect me to go faster than I am.. because I am on a motorbike.
I was riding one particular country road and approaching a blind bend. I slowed right down as the road narrowed and I could hear something coming the other way, preparing to stop, expecting a tractor. The car driver behind me was right up my tail getting pushy, did not like me going so slow into the bend. The last laugh was on the car driver as I reached the bend a very large HGV came around the bend taking up most of the road space. I was able to 'progress' but the car driver had to slam their brakes on. After that incident the car driver caught up with me later down the road but hung back and seemed to respect my riding speed through the bends. Maybe they had learnt something.
I've heard it so many times when bikers discuss a fellow rider " he can really ride" based on their ability to overtake, speed and get their knee down, to the point that the rest of the group now want to emulate this top blokes skills, its a bavardo, testosterone thing I understand .. But hand on heart I've not taken any further training or motorcycle skills courses myself but I know when riding like a reckless fool becomes dangerous and stupid and I've witnessed the end result many times than I care to remember (ex- NHS Paramedic) so these days when a self proclaimed king of speed starts bragging I just switch off ..... sensible video, point well put across ... Cheers PWR
Motorcycles are and have always been seen as exciting yet potentialy dangerous, their reputation for attracting rebellious thrill seekers does perhaps go in some way to explain the accident statistics, the advanced training courses on offer, invariably drum down this excitement and make motorcycling apear dull in the eyes of this group, hence perhaps the very group who would benefit most avoid them.
You are wrong about the constant reduction in speed limits being imposed by councils who don't understand why accidents happen, they do, but other options are harder and more expensive to implement, and lowering speed limits is a cheep and easy option to demonstrate that they are taking road safety "seriously".
As long as motorcycles are seen as a thrilling and exciting way to travel there will always be accidents, the only way to reduce them is to attract the thrill seekers to advance training schemes, and the only way to do that is to lose the dull, captain sensible, old men on bmw's image portrayed by said schemes, maybe linking time on the road teaching positioning, observation etc, with time on track teaching knee down and wheeling, there are wheelie schools after all
I would agree that people who take extra training courses and safety seriously are probably not the kind of people who need it the most anyway, although any knowledge is good, but i don't know how the thrill seekers will be attracted to tone it down other than maybe a long term tv ad campaign like we had for seat belts, cigarettes, aids and drinking and driving, but doubtful the government would pay for it as we are a minority these days (i still remember the think once, twice, bike we used to have aimed at motorists when i was a kid, and always wondered how they did the crash at the end without killing the stuntman lol). It's a toughie, and maybe only a long term drip feed wherever bikers go and look online would help get the message over. GL
Totally on target. And it is a widespread problem. I'm an aussie rider, got my road license back in '88, 3 years after my car license (after a childhood filled to the brim with dirtbikes). All these years later, btw, I still LOVE rider training. Doing advanced courses is still challenging, esp at superbike school. In australia, the focus on speed limits has also had little impact on road accidents - including car-only fatalities. Unfortunately, in a terrible twist of fate, the State governments discovered that "enforcing the speed limit" (you get a speeding ticket for being 3kph over the limit - that's right, a speed difference less than the difference between readings in different brands of cars) is agreat moneyspinner....literally tens of millions of dollars every year goes to State governments through speeding fines and it is a drug they refuse to give up.....as for the UK, my approach would be entirely like yours - you have some seriously small, restricted roads/lanes there - wow. I now live in Europe and see vastly different approaches to driving in different countries 🤔 - which just reinforces the validity of what you said, and which I live by: in the end, you are responsible for yourself. No use whining about how right you are if it is you in the gutter with broken ribs, legs and ruptured spleen. Personally, I have avoided literally countless attempts to kill me on the roads and have never once let them get me...😄😃
Couldn't agree more. I've recently started riding again after a break of nearly 20 years and It boggles my mind the way that many, I would say most, bikers ride these days. "Can you stop safely in the distance you can see to be clear?" is a key to safer riding and it's one which I have always adhered to, and most riders don't seem to appreciate what a potentially dangerous manoeuvre overtaking is; there are so many ways things can go wrong. A macho attitude and a massively powerful bike is a disaster waiting to happen.
I rode in the 80,s and come back 2010, I found one of the biggest differences were how fast car divers are now.pretty much everything can push you along now.
I completely agree with everything you have said.
Interestingly, I ride the exact same roads in your video quite often. I stick to well under 30mph pretty much all the time. And it doesn't feel slow - it feels right. Very high hedges (a bit overgrown at the moment) and very limited views round the bends. Ride them more than a handful of times and you will definitely come across a potential 'problem' just around the corner. And you can't predict what it might be; a car (almost filling the road), bicycle, farm vehicle, and a surprising number of pedestrians (usually with a dog or two). You HAVE to be able to stop within the scope/distance of what you can see.
I did motorcycle training with an ex-police motorcycle officer quite a few years back. It was invaluable and immediately and completely changed the way I rode. Particularly with regard to overtaking, road position and speed appropriateness.
Not a “rant” at all. Everything said is completely right and appropriate. Such a shame that the very people who need to see this most probably won’t as they see it as “nanny state” or “infringing their rights” and in their eyes it’s a dull subject not worth their attention.
There is nothing better than seeing a motorcycle ridden well and appreciating who that was done. I’d be happy if I rode and never put my foot down than say I got my knee down which in 47 years I’ve never done or wanted to.
Good video and great advice, thank you.
All good points. Can definitely recommend BikeSafe. Just starting the IAM.
Bit of a anecdote about the 2 second rule. Joined the motorway where lane 1 was crawling nose to tail due to the proximity of the next junction. Wanted to get out into lane 2. Because the traffic I'd just joined was all bunched up I was following too close. No problem, fingers covering the brake. Except instead of allowing a gap to grow ahead of me, I took a quick look in the right mirror. That split second was the point at which my lane came to a dead stop. Got out of it, but too close for comfort.
Lesson learned.
You're bang on. I'm 65 years old and have been riding for a long time now after a break in my forties. These guys in the their 50s who can afford to buy a high powered sports bike do not have the road awareness or reactions to cope with speed or ride defensively in todays traffic. What's the answer?
@@iandeumayne-jones1557 Your sweeping statement is arguably harsh....I am in my 50's & ride a 1000cc sports naked bike. Like every rider I am as good as my best ride or as bad my worst. All roadusers are capable of making errors. Every riding day is a school day here
First time viewer here and greatly enjoyed this video. Some interesting points to ponder. I can offer some observations as a UK national who has lived in America for the past 22 years. Getting a license here is very easy but traffic control is much tighter. Speed limits are lower than the UK and double solid lines are everywhere, even in the most remote areas with long straight roads. Yet we have our own Project Zero campaigns that lower speed limits further each year. The thought process that goes into such decisions was made evident when motorcycle groups advocated to legalize land splitting and offered evidence from the few States that allow it, citing University studies and opinions from California Highway Patrol commanders, that it make motorcyclists safer. Politicians ignored all that as the local police chief, with no experience of lane splitting, didn't like it so that was that. No bueno.
In terms of riders being our own worse enemies I see that with my friends. They've commented on how my riding improved with training yet they've never felt the need to take any themselves. I always lead our group rides and I now only overtake if it's safe for 2 or 3 of us to pass, cause I know the guy behind me will usually follow me. It's frustrating as they are all experienced riders in the 50+ age bracket yet ride like invincible 20 years old. I don't know what the solution is. However, watching this video makes me realize I've been a bit complacent myself as it's been a few years since my last street training. Finding advanced classes out here is kind of tough though.
I 100% agree with you. Every point is well made. Prompted by your video, I searched for Motorcycle fatalities. The Department of Transport says that fatalities were down by 40% between 2004 and 2022, although what is not clear is what proportion this is compared to the number of motorcyclists on the road. So, it may only be down due to fewer motorcycles on the road. However, I found another statistic: motorcycle ownership was flat between 2008 and 2016 at around 1.1m licences motorcycles (DoT National Travel Survey). So maybe there is hope, it appears that fatalities are actually down. And while motorcycle advanced training is, IMHO, a vital component of managing your own safety, the car-driving public could also do with some training. People are on autopilot a lot of the time, barely paying attention, distracted by many things, and simply unaware of their surroundings, disconnected from the outside world by being insulated in their "cage". This does not absolve you from making sure you ride safely, other than being aware of the low standard of driving competence generally in the UK. I'm just back from a trip through France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany, the standard of driving is so much better, as are the standard of the roads!
I'm 63 and have been riding 45 years (with occasional breaks). Done my advanced rider cert with IAM and planning to go further.
This video should be a mandatory watch for every bike rider. Unfortunately the bikers who would benefit most will not watch it😢
Doing advanced rider, IAM does not shield you from these types of events. I have a friend who has done all the courses but still ended up in Kings Hospital
Deaths seem so high this year - so tragic. It’s inspired me to start a RUclips on how to ride safely, and encourage people into courses.
Annoyed that video has gone private as was so educational, as you described.
Indeed, please share your channel too, we always need more good information out there. All the best
I have to agree. I've only just passed my motorcycle test (I'm in my 50's) and I was surprised that no one on the direct access course suggested any further training afterwards......there was however a worrying degree of machismo about risk taking etc!
Keep teaching brother, there are plenty of new motorcyclist like myself who are soaking up the knowledge you’re giving. I love hearing and learning from people like yourself who are in an entirely different country than me and yet I agree 100%. I’m from the U.S. the state of Alabama.
There's a graph I have seen that shows peaks under 20 for 50cc bikes and rising risk from either 45 or 50 on bikes with a capacity over 500cc
I have been off for 10 years because of gluten intolerance induced balance issues. I have booked a 4 hour training session for back to biking
Great video as always. I am 55 and been riding from the age of 16 with only 6 year break. When my son who is no 25 decided 3 years ago he to my horror wanted to do his bike test. I decided I can’t stop him so I can only help him. I decided to get some further training, Bike Safe, Fire Bike, IAM & Rospa. You may remember I did question the IAM which you kindly did a video for me. The amount I have learnt over the last 3 years is far more than have from the previous 35 years. I now have IAM 1st and Rospa Gold. I am currently doing my national observer qualification. My son now has his Rospa Gold too.
Its all about further training, it should be mandatory. The difference is massive to your riding. Repeat CBT should be allowed.
Regarding a lot of fatalities with 50 plus year olds. I think this is because a lot of this age group ride in groups of a similar age riders with high powered bikes, that sit in the garage all winter and come out in April which is the highest period of serious accidents. They try to keep up with their mates not to loose face and ride beyond their capabilities or at the appropriate speeds for the conditions. Treating the road think a race track even trying to get their knee down. I live in Essex, often ride to Finchingfield and surrounding areas and see riders taking outrageous risks on rural roads. Trying to get these guys to do further training is difficult which is one of the problems. I doubt they ever assess their own rides to see what needs improving.
I think the government has done a decent job making it hard for young riders with A2 plus the added cost of insurance they young ones are sticking to the cars hence biking is now for the older person, which does substantiate your comments.
It’s a difficult one because how to you convince individuals further training is so important? The government need to do more to make further training mandatory. Cheers Matt
I'm tired of seeing idiots,
The overtake chancers,
The flat out through a junction people,
My ask is this,
Stop INVOLVING ME !
the must overtake pack that one by one envelopes me way to close,
The biker that is unpolite to other road users,
That's clinging me,
Then I look bad,
I could go on.
Here's what I want,
Want to overtake,
Fine,
Overtake,
Piss off, leave me alone.
Pass me with space,
I'll do the same for you,
Cyclists have a law of 1.5 metres,
Maybe that should be universal for all.
If I think 50 is enough for this corner,
Don't sit on my arse to push me to go faster,
Just overtake,
You want to be in front anyways.
I like to go out and have a nice day,
Let me have a nice day,
Get past,
Get gone,
Have your day also.
🙂🙂🙂
Thank you for bringing back ‘common sense’. I passed my bike test 18 months ago at 61. This alone makes me a cautious rider, also the fact I am still very much the beginner & happily so helps my caution. I have watched ‘proper bikers’ complete manoeuvres that I have thought, there is another one removing themselves from the gene pool, but they got away with it this time. The law of averages will get them. I believe that nothing can be done to help these people unfortunately. Yes, there has to be much better thought put into ‘driver’ education and road safety, hopefully some can be saved.
5 fatalities in 40 minutes. Completely appalling and 100 % avoidable.
Great video. the state of our unrepaired roads is causing havoc on motorcycles
Glad more you're noticing more people seeking advanced training. I always recommend bikesafe followed by the IAM course to anyone who is a newbie. Best decision I have made and love the social rides where you learn how to ride as a group safely.
Here I am thinking about which Advanced training setups to go for.
I know the obvious answer is "any as they are all good" but logically that can not be so.
It would be better to have a single DVLA-empowered course that is just like taking your test in the first place. A standardized course.
As for speed limit reductions by the councils.
You can see how aggressive people are getting due to being "restricted" in what looks like unnecessary areas.
Try doing 20 in a 20, once a 30.
The tailgaters love it and drive insanely to get past you.
Rightly or wrongly, or by design, city drivers are getting more and more aggressive each day so something needs to release this value of frustration and liberty restrictions.
So my 2 bobs worth is the state-run Advanced Course (all vehicles) with the carrot being observable insurance premium reductions.
To cope with passing people on mass, instructors like yourself could do the assessment as they would see the progress made in skill and mind set to then sign off on it.
Another great video, thanks. I proved the benefits of taking an advanced course only yesterday when a 4x4 driver I was following in a 50 zone, crossed double white lines to the other side of the road and immediately swung back left in front of me to enter a track which met the road at an acute angle, all without indicating or showing brake lights. I slowed down with hard braking to avoid hitting him at 90 degrees, but I wonder if the outcome would have been different had I not completed the IAM course and up-skilled my riding.
About 15 years ago there was a fatal accident on the road that I travel along to work. An elderly chap pulled out of the cemetery into the path of a HGV. The road back then was national speed limit, so 60mph, but was 40 mph for HGVs as it was back then (changed to 50 in about 2014, I think).
The wagon wasn't speeding (so doing 40 or less) and the councils reaction was to lower the speed limit on the road to......40mph.
I don't know the accident statistics for the road before and after the change but it's always seemed like a knee jerk reaction to me.
Good vid. Been riding since 1967 at the age of 11, with a mobylette acquired for £5, on the old Croydon airport, was a dispatch rider in London for 3 years, using 3 Ariel Leaders (not all at once, they just kept dying), and miraculously survived my '20s riding like a lunatic with mates who were a very bad influence - as was I. I cringe now when I look back at the madness of failing to keep the ego under control, and lost several friends who weren't so lucky. I learnt that every car driver is oblivious to me, and wants to kill me. Of course, that's not true, but if you think it's true, you'll slow down. I now ride assuming the next bend is the one with a tractor pulling out of a field, every hedge has a deer about to erupt from the undergrowth, and the ground that's just out of sight has an oil spill on it. Also, I often have my wife on the pillion, and the thought of ever causing her injury because of my bad judgement fills me with dread. I love riding my bike, and as I approach my 70's, I hope to keep doing it into my 80's. If anyone challenges me to a race, I let them go past, say a prayer for them, there is no chequered flag on public roads. Only a hospital bed, or a hole in the ground. I achieved a 100mph lap of the Isle of Man once, and I remember that with a chill. So lucky my tyres didn't slip, a dog didn't run out, and my brakes didn't fail. Slow down guys, enjoy the fun of a motorcycle, but never respond to a challenge from another driver for a burn up.
Finally, never ride a motorcycle in sub 3 degree weather. I've had lots of experience of that, the way your front wheel slips out on black ice is horrific. Stay safe!
Been motorcycling for more than 40 years. No accidents. Hopefully it will stay that way.
Totally agree. I learned so much on my IAM course. It slowed me down but made me progress more.😊
Passing my bike test at 50 but plenty of road knowledge being a hgv driver you are on the button with this video taking a bike safe course 2years ago and watching your videos also morostars (seeing the consequences) of the actions your trying to steer us away from I take on board every time I ride thanks
roundabout at dangerous junction has been proven to increase safety. this costs a lot more than a speed sign
From Northern Ireland here and have had my full bike test for just under 6 months though driving 30 years and come from a motocross background.
A friend of a friend was just killed there 2 weeks ago and I’m not sure of all the details but it involved a lorry pulling out on of a side road in a rural area. He was mid 50s and was riding a KTM 990.
What I’m learning quickly is that around these parts people tend to get their license and at the start will ride appropriately but unfortunately get into a group scenario and ultimately pick up really bad road etiquette.
Ego starts to play a big part in their riding and I see plenty of riders thinking they’re more experienced than what they are and when they head out alone they get into trouble.
For these reasons I have removed myself from group rides which is helping me to focus on actually riding properly rather than developing my riding under false egotistical pretensions.
Always love your vids and they helped immensely from before I had my license until present.
Many thanks!
Wrong choice of machine is the first mistake.
To count as a pothole there needs to be a 40mm vertical edge and be 30cm wide.
I'd like to take someone from highways on some that don't count at the posted limit.
Some of the holes are in the middle that you need to cross for overtaking.
Sunday staffing at A&E is minimal.
Well said training is the thing. I past my test in 1970. Roads were not like they are today. Best thing I ever did was compete my IAM test then go on to pass the masters with distinction and then become a National Observer. Moto of the story you learn something every day.
Its always the usual fair weather only summer sportbikers that become statistics its no suprise there pair that with group rides doubles the statistics.
I totally agree with you. I think that in 100% of accidents, the rider could have done something to avoid, or lessen the impact. Back in 2005, after 2 years of riding my first bike, an Aprilia Futura 1000RST, someone pulled out on me, on my way back from work. It was February, -2degC, snow had started falling, and the road was freezing. As I approached a well known accident black spot on the A6 from Market Harborough to Kettering, there was a right hand turn to Great Bowden (I think). (There's a roundabout there now). Anyway, I rode this road, 4 times each week in each direction from Kettering to Leicester>
!n 2005, this turn had a central reservation which measured a quarter of a mile from solid lined reservation and island. The road has 3 lanes beyond the reservation going up the hill to Kettering. That central overtaking lane was available for overtakes to vehicles going up or down the hill. Of course, especially in the downhill towards Mkt Harboro' meant that cars were reaching very high speeds before the junction. It was also a very busy road and junction.
As I approached, long before the island started, I dropped my speed from 60mph to 50mph, pulled to the nearside of the lane, and looked across at the car sitting in junction waiting to turn into my road. I put my lights on full. As I got close, cars were coming down the hill, and I kept looking. He pulled out, and I realised that if I stayed where I was, he would swerve right out in front and I couldn't jam the brakes due to the weather conditions and road conditions. I opted to ride diagonally towards the island to get behind him whilst cadence braking to lose speed and reduce the chance of skidding. Just as I thought I was going to make it, he must have hit the rev limiter or changed gear. In that split second that the car stopped. I hit his rear offside back. I went up in the air and the bike came up with me. As I fell the bike landed on its side, and I landed on the footpeg, square into my back.
Now here is something. That morning when I was leaving for work, I rode of my drive, got to the bottom of it (had a long drive in those days) and thought "this feels funny!" I got to the main A6 road in Burton Latimer, and thought, "this feels funny!". I got to the A14 roundabout with the A6 and realised, I hadn't put my back protector on. I had a Spidi full length back protector with kidney belt. I was late for a meeting, but something told me to go home and put it on, which I did. If I didn't have that back protector on, as the surgeon said, I would definitely been paralysed, and most likely been dead. Think about that, if I had decided to rush to the meeting and not put my back protector on, I would have had no protection because I had taken the little one out of my jacket. That was the best £105, I have ever spent in my life.
Now, it was clearly proven, by witnesses and investigators that I was not at fault, but had I dropped to 40mph, I probably could have avoided hitting him without having to take the diagonal line, which on the surface, as the Police investigator said, was brilliant thinking. However, it might have been smart, but I still hit the back of him. So there's two lessons in my opinion, here, slow right down for junctions, and always, always wear a back protector and good quality safety equipment.
The thing that prevents me from riding like a twat, though I do ride fast when all the conditions allow, is thinking what impact I have on those I leave behind. If you can say that your life has no impact on others, your loved ones, your friends, your work colleagues, then perhaps you might ride like a twat. HOWEVER, you should also consider the impact your actions have or might have on others, and the people they might leave behind, if you cause their death. I know all our cowboy friends that jump on a 1000cc bike after a quick ride to and fro the licensing officer, will say this is sh!te. However, anyone that acts like a divvy, gets what they deserve. Yes, I jumped on a 1000cc after passing my test. However, I had driven all over the UK and Europe for 22 years in Ferraris, Mercs, etc with never a single point on my licence and only 1 non-fault accident. The throttle goes both ways and as you said, you need discipline and self-control.
Bike accidents can be reduced in the UK quite simply: 1) all riders must have driven a car for 5 years or 50k miles whichever is greater. 2) All car drivers must take the CBT as part of their driving licence. This way, experience is the key. 3) We should implement the German system whereby if you fail your driving test 3 times, you never get a licence.
Absolutely spot on with your comments, sadly those making the policies rarely listen. I get consultation e-mails from Canterbury Council regarding road layout and speed changes, most recently was a proposed limit change from 50 to 40mph - to reduce accidents. However the attached documents contained no evidence, just "Barnham" statements regarding safety etc. When pushed for the data - it showed the average speed on the road was 38mph - in effect the limit change would achieve nothing. I objected on that basis, they did it anyway...
Sounds about right for CCC and many other councils too. Consultations are usually lip service, they’ve already decided what they want to do.
I can't disagree with anything you've said in this video, Education really is the key to improving skills and attitudes, and we do need some incentive to encourage people to improve both.
Quite apart from incentivising driving and riding development, I think that we could do with something like the public information films we used to see on the BBC in the sixties. Although I was quite young, I can still remember that there were amusing animated cartoons which attempted to educate people and address poor attitudes.
I'm new to riding, but have, within the last year, completed both ERS and Bikesafe courses. I appreciate that they do not give me the experience of someone who has been riding for fifty years, but both experiences have been very valuable to me and I do try to take what I have learnt and ride accordingly. Not only should these courses be incentivised in some way, but similar courses should be available to drivers, with similar incentives.
I seen that video and watched it time and time again, seeing him committing to crossing double white lines on the approach to the blind left hand bend is exactly what you’re saying. I like other people, have returned to biking after a 25 year break. I have watched so many videos to understand why they crash, just come across your video and appreciate your knowledge, especially taking the time to share it with others, thank you. I totally agree that education is the way forward but there’s not enough emphasis on car drivers being made more aware of other types of vehicles such as motorcycles, push bikes, HGV’s on the road and the challenges they face with cars! Thanks again.
I started riding at 35 and am still in the sport bike phase now 5 years later. I went from 125 to GSXR1000. I read a comment once - "the best skill you can have on a motorcycle is judgement" I wear all the gear, say a prayer and enjoy the ride every time.
I always think that you are always the student on a motorcycle. You never stop learning or should want to. Taking further training is essential if you want to be the safest and best biker you can be. There are a lot of bikers out there (and I've met them )who think "Well I've got my licence now. I can do what I like!" They're the kind of biker I don't want to ride with. What's also interesting is that mod 1 and 2 were designed to bring down the amount of motorcycle accidents. Has it? Not really. I hope the proposed changes come into place soon (from NMC) like going back to a singular test. Also training schools to issue licences. You as an instructor have more concept than anyone to whether a student deserves to have a licence or not.
The other interesting thing is that the majority of accidents are people on sports bikes and adventure bikes. I'm from Argyll & Bute Scotland. We have all the twisties on our doorstep. 9 times out of ten when I hear that there's been another motorcycle accident, that's what they are on. If you want to ride like an idiot don't expect to come back alive. I totally agree with everything you are saying. Great video.
Hi I just wanted to say a big thankyou,yesterday I passed my mod 1,and I can honestly say without your input and all your training videos wich I have watched back to back solidly for the past year and great tips well I'm not sure I would of passed without them,not only that I feel it's give me a excellent foundation and methodical structure of safety to be able to use this in my tool box for all my future adventures,just have to get through mod 2 next,just waiting for a slot,but again a real big thankyou and I'm sure you are making this difference to many more of us,kind regards Chris C.
Many thanks for your comment Chris, really appreciated. Congratulations on your pass, I wish you well for your mod 2. Please let me know how you get on. Ride safe
🇨🇦 lady here again.
Comforting to know that most accidents are self caused or avoidable. Because, knowing this means we CAN absolutely do things to keep ourselves safer and aren't just crazy for wanting to ride.
Our cage drivers do not stay aware that bikers are around so the.Gov't starts putting up road notices to actually look for bikers each May and then that's about the extent of it. We need education for drivers as well as riders.
Our mountain roads are incredible and beautiful, but high altitide, twisty, and have hazards like sudden weather changes, rockfalls, mountain sheep, deer, and no fuel stations or places to turn around for hundreds of kilometers. The Coquihalla highway, ~350km stretch, went up to 120km/hr (75 mph) from 110. It didn't make things worse but that particular highway is very well maintained.
We have much the same problems with riders here, but also it can get hot and many don't wear all of the gear.
Keep on with this excellent channel please. I love it.
ps. I'm also a brit too.
Ride safe and keep the two wheels down.
Couldn’t agree more, no one likes the truth about their riding but spot on !
You refer to changing motorists behaviour. Behaviour is an extremely difficult thing to change unless the person wants to change. In an ideal world everyone would be interested in continuous improvement and training however many drivers see driving as either an opportunity to switch off or an opportunity to experience some adrenaline. Both are recipes for disaster. How then to motivate people to change their behaviour? One of the best ways is through feedback and support but this can only be done by someone who observes the motorist and is respected, or by regular and periodic training. I renewed my road tax recently online and it occurred to me that if prior to allowing someone to buy Road tax they were required to undertake a theory test similar to the driving theory test then it may be a good opportunity to highlight road observation and appropriate behaviour? Sometimes poor behaviour is simply the result of ignorance and some of the old road safety adverts on the tv were brilliant at pointing out the possible consequences of dangerous behaviour. It puzzles me why we don’t see more of those messages online and on the tv. Constant reinforcement is a vital component of training.
Very well put. I'm an ex blue light driver, nothing as advanced as many police officers. I have just this year passed my cbt, and I have noticed how my riding has changed to driving a car. I'm hyper aware of everyone and everything, as I know how vulnerable I am. Speed is definitely a common theme in most accidents, but the one thing that is always present is inability and poor planning for the conditions. I wish the councils would improve drainage, use higher quality tarmac instead of the cheap stuff. And I honestly believe that every road user should do a yearly road safety course. I'm looking forward to completing my A2 licence and getting on an advanced course. Only downside is that you're too far away for me to be on one of yours. Before my cbt your videos really helped me gain knowledge and confidence, so thank you.
Whist the powers that be harp on and on about speed being a major cause of collisions its not quite true. Speed in excess of he speed limit are down the list of causations. That said its the use of unnecessary or inappropriate speeds that are within the speed limits that are responsible for far more collision.
In fact the greatest numbers of collisions and incidents, apparent loss of comtrol, fall offs etc. are caused by THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM and that is TAILGATING . That being driving or riding too close to the vehicle in front,. As a consequence one is being unable to see other traffic and not allowing all other traffic to see us. Consequentially being too close causes many of the accidents that are classified as smidsys at junctions etc.
All the training and safety authorities are aware if of the problem, I have made them aware, but still after over 10 years of stating that fact they still do nothing about it. How can they when its suggested, no recommended that one can drive or ride much closer than the 2 second rule by both the Police and the Governments through the DVSA. This government and previous governments would rather rely on the '20 is plenty scheme' [ the only nationally supported road safety scheme for the last 15 years ] which has in that time not proven itself to dramatically reduce the numbers of incidents and as a result the present carnage we suffer on our roads to this day.
By simply the giving of SAFER STOPPING DISTANCES we could dramatically reduce the numbers of such collisions and their resulting deaths, injuries etc.
I totally agree with everything you have said. The type of country lanes that you are riding in this video are similar to the lanes I sometimes ride around Essex and Herts (also cycled them), so on our bikes we should and can ride at the appropriate speed, but what happens when cars or other bikes speed around these lanes without care for the appropriate speed and suddenly come towards us? On a narrow lane we may not be able to avoid a collision. So motorcycling these back lanes can be very risky and reducing our speed may not help. What do you think?
Excellent video. Agree with you on all points.
I agrea however, I had a day with IAM and with the need to progress, I had a shocking day racing around blind corners. I never went back. Riding for 37 years, ride safely generally, no accident. I am happy to have proper advanced training but, the experience I had was not positive.
Very sad to hear, but not the first time I have heard this. But there are responsible trainers and IAM members out there too, glad your biking is going well despite your experience. All the best
I would agree with everything you have said. An example of reducing a speed limit in the “name of safety” is on the A20 on the London Kent border. It used to 60 then 50 now 40, it is a 2 lane carriageway going into a 3 lane at which point it is a National limit, there is a slip round joining from the left, all along the carriageway there is excellent visibility. Even where the slip road joins you still have good visibility onto it from the main carriageway. I am at a complete loss to understand why the limit has been reduced to 40, if i was cynical i would say it is financially motivated. I do not think you can ever get enough training, i take every opportunity to get eyes on my riding, i am a ROSPA Gold level but would describe myself as hopefully competent. I like to make progress but not at the cost of safety. Great content as always, Ride Smart and Ride Safe.
Thanks for the video. I've been considering taking a advanced course, and will do one now. You're totally spot on and the complete difference between real road riding, and racing on a perfect roads. Which don't exist.
Think it’s good you made this video while riding in the countryside-some deadly situations in these hedgerow roads with a sudden junction appearing
Completely agree. This is something I have been thinking about lately, what with all the serious motorcycle RTC's recently. I did my IAM rider training in the early 90's, redoing it last year with my son who had just passed his CBT and motorcycle test. I bribed him to do it by offering him my Fazer Thou' if he did his IAM, he got a F1st last week, chuffed. Advanced training transformed my riding in the 90's and re training and taking the test again has improved it greatly again. How do we encourage more motorcyclists to take additional training? I have tried with members in my local groups, unfortunately with little success. Also agree with your views on speed limit reductions. Keep up the good work.
Not convinced that you can conclude that riders in their 50s are more susceptible to being KSI victims than riders in other age groups, unless you have sight of an age profile of the whole population of UK bike riders. My strong impression, from riding the roads and visiting cafes and places where bikers 'hang out', is that older people form the bulk of the biker population... Perhaps the reason that riders in their 20s and 30s and 40s have a lesser representation in the KSI statistics is that there are just fewer of them about and, therefore, their chance of being involved in any particular incident/accident is less. ??? Possibly the people who get a bike licence in their 20s see the light, decide getting cold and wet every time they get the bike out isn't much fun, get a car, have children, have responsibilities, don't have the time / money for motorcycling, and it is something people come back to later in life? I don't know but I do wonder if the apparent over-representation of riders in their 50s is an artifact.
yup...it's a fact that most cannot seem to work out, if most motorcycle users are men in their 50's ( which is the case in every english speaking nation ), then guess what?
100 percent agree , its not speed that kills its inappropriate speed. As an hgv driver years ago in a national it went from 40mph limit to 50mph for us hgv mainly because I reckon cars would do suicide overtakes, I'd always run at 50 if appropriate as car speeds show faster , a following car would think well the truck nearly doing the limit so I'll follow until its safer on a dual maybe. Wales 1st minister who made a blanket 20 from a 30 is a non driver ! Roads that where for 90 odd years a safe30 with no accidents is now a stupid unnecessary 20
I am of the opinion that speed limits are often imposed by college graduates who use statistical modelling on computers to suggest that lower speeds will be safer - of course they'll be safer if they're obeyed, and the safest speed of all would be walking pace!
I live in Wales, and I have seen the effect that putting a 20mph blanket speed limit into place has made. I regularly get stuck behind timid drivers doing 15mph in posted 30mph or 40mph zones. This only increases drivers frustration, which in turn reduces their concentration levels and even makes some drivers behave dangerously and overtake aggressively.
Unfortunately, even though the Senedd has declared that local authorities are at liberty to restore speed limits where they see fit to do so, the mantra that lower speed limits saves lives means that there are very few places where this will actually happen.
Love to hear your thoughts on this. It amazes me how many questions on bike groups are answered by people who don’t really understand what they are doing. It feels like 99% of riders only have their test pass behind them, and no further training is even considered.
Very good valid points always expect the unexpected ride defensively as you mentioned why would fly around a blind bend seen to be seen
You are quite correct. Retired Police Motorcyclist and accident investigator, I saw that video and was commenting on the third rider following the lead bike, he would always be several seconds behind! I saw the overtake, on double white lines, accident was inevitable. Rider was lucky.
Never a More True Statement ( Ride your own Ride ) I ride every Sunday all year round These days , Year ago i used to Comute to work and Back 200 Miles plus every week I now drive a company Vehicle Monday to Friday. 3 Years ago on the Road i normally ride i used to meet 3 Riders going Flat out on a Country road its a 60 mph limit , A couple of times i was almost into the hedge to avoid them on my side of the road as they Straight lined those few corners on that road ( Which could be done safely ) If nothing is coming the other way. A couple of weeks before Christmas 3 Years ago i came around a sweeping bend to see a Honda Fireblade in Repsol Colours it was one of the 3 guys who passed me every week lying in the middle of the road on its side , The 2 other guys bikes were parked at the side of the road But no one in sight . All 3 were in the field and the Repsol guy was Unconscious I Rang for Police and an Ambulance That Guy did not survive he was in his early 20,s With a child on the way I later heard. I have Never seen the 2 other guys since It took the Death of their friend to wise them up
I agree. I've been riding for many years, and the "Ride your own way" motto when riding with others is good advice. I prefer to ride alone (often with a pillion) rather than with other bikes. Some ppl do use the road like a race track and it's dangerous not just for them, but other road users.
Another great video mate! Looking forward to getting back down to get full A squared away ASAP
I absolutely love your channel. I'm a female biker in England and got my cbt September 2023 and A license may 2024. I've had a full training day with rapid and I learned so much especially when it came to speed, positioning ,looking ahead and anticipating what's to come.
Changed the while riding experience .what you learn to pass your full license is only the basic and sometimes luck, you have a good day on test day and pass. Then the next day you seem to not know how to ride properly but you've got a full license .
Once I get more money I'm doing more training .
Training is the only way we gain muscle memory for new processes and habits. If you are able to invest the £200ish it takes to join an IAM course, this will help spread that habit forming over 6 months or more of training and provide an advanced test pass as an outcome. You get as many rides as it takes, but you will come out a more safe and thinking rider which is not possible from a single day training. It’s the best money you will ever spend on your bike 👍
The fatality rate of motorcyclists in the UK is more than double the average rate in the EU.
The fatality rate is 26 deaths per 100,000 motorcycles in the UK compared to 11 in the EU.
Maybe a part of the reason is that motorcycles are not that common in the UK.
The UK only has 18 motorcycles per 1000 inhabitants. The EU has 45.
The mentality of British tourers are revealed in many vlogs posted here on RUclips. A lot of talk about speed limits, cameras and police.
Could the British mentality be the main reason?
You’re talking so much sense. It’s a pity that the transport minister doesn’t think that way. I’ve absolutely no idea what it’s going to take before extra training becomes mandatory.
Great video totally spot on ❤
Totally agree, in my opinion all types of vehicles drive too fast. When I did my HGV I was told "loose your view, loose your speed" and I keep that with me no matter what I'm driving / riding. Obviously there is a massive problem with discipline, immaturity and respect for not only the road but other road user's aswell, it's my belief that that is the main problem. Unfortunately I can only see it getting worse as the majority of younger generations get on the road as they have no respect, discipline or maturity for anything.
Keep up the good work 👍