As the days get longer and the weather improves, people will be bringing their motorcycles out of winter hibernation for the daily commute to work or a leisurely spin.
The road safety officer with Mayo County Council, Noel Gibbons, warned motorists to look out for motorcycles coming back on the roads after a winter in hibernation.
Most motorbikes will be back on the road over the next few weeks, and according to the AA, insurance claims relating to motorcycles increase 40 per cent at this time of year.
Many bikers are ‘rusty’, having not ridden all winter, Mr Gibbons said, while drivers had got used to seeing fewer bikes.
“At this time of year the big danger to bikers is ‘road rust’ among drivers who have lost the habit of looking out for bikes.
Four in five motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle are not the bikers’ fault, while drivers distracted by rush hour traffic or the school run are disproportionately responsible for hitting motorcyclists, according to Mr Gibbons.
Motorbike riders are being encouraged to refresh their road handling skills and stay safe by enrolling on an advanced biking course. The Star Rider Motorcycling course is run by Mayo County Council and taught by qualified instructors. It has been designed to help motorcyclists polish up their riding techniques and prepare for the advanced riding test.
Michael Flynn, ROSPA Dip instructor, said: “Motorbikes are fun to ride and a great way of beating traffic, but riding safely demands high levels of control and concentration.
“Motorcyclists can be extremely vulnerable road users. Taking advanced training, particularly if it’s been a while since you passed your test, both helps ensure your riding is safe and enjoyable and enables you to acquire essential road skills that could mean the difference between life and death.”
“This is about highlighting the hideous number of casualties on the roads among the motorcycle community and this initiative is about getting people to think what they can do to prevent such injuries and possibly death,” concluded Mr Gibbons.
