Plan the ride, protect your life – Bank Holiday biker safety

Suffolk Police are issuing advice to motorcyclists and other road users, following a recent number of serious collisions involving motorcycles in the region.

This bank holiday weekend is forecast to have warm and sunny weather – perfect conditions for riding – and combined with the increase in daylight hours, more riders are expected to be taking to the roads. Unfortunately a consequence of this means we usually see a rise in collisions involving motorcyclists.

Motorcyclists are 16-times more likely to be injured in serious or fatal collisions than car drivers, and as they make up just 1% of the motoring population this is a highly disproportionate number of those injured on our roads.

Recent statistics from the Department for Transport have highlighted the need for extra care. Motorcyclists are disproportionately represented in those who are killed or seriously injured on the roads. In 2024, 340 motorcyclists were killed on the roads in Great Britain, with 5,468 seriously injured.

We appreciate that riders cannot control the actions of other road users, but there are some measures you can take to ensure your own safety:

Thoroughly check over your bike for any mechanical defects as it may have been sitting for some months - this includes checking that the MOT is in date.

The following routine checks should be made as a minimum: Tyre pressure & tread depth; all lights; oil and fuel levels.

Wear the appropriate protective gear.

Allow plenty of time for your journey.

Familiarise yourself with your bike.

Be aware that the road surfaces following the winter period still require some attention.

Be responsible and ride to the law and conditions.

We would also encourage any rider, no matter how experienced, to consider participating in a ‘Safe Rider’ workshop. The scheme comprises a series of downloads to keep, a two-and-a-half hour evening session and a five-hour road session. Riders will be introduced to the Police Roadcraft system - the corner stone of police riding.

The workshop provides individuals with professional advice and confirms their strengths and identifies their weaknesses as a rider. During the road session you will receive a demonstration ride by a police rider and there will be an opportunity to have your riding assessed with constructive feedback.

More information can be found here: Road safety courses | Suffolk Constabulary

Chief Inspector Gary Miller, Head of the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: “As a biker myself, I know how much I look forward to this time of year and getting out on the road.

“I am however very concerned by the number of recent incidents across Norfolk and Suffolk involving motorbikes. While there are varying reasons and factors which may have caused these collisions – some of which are still subject to investigation – I am dutybound to issue this reminder and hope people take heed of it.  

“It is incumbent on all road users to drive or ride safely and be alert to all other potential people using our highways. We live in rural counties and without stating the obvious that means lots of narrow lanes, bends, dips, hedgerows and other physical features that must be allowed for when out riding. It also means you are likely to encounter slower-moving road users such as agricultural vehicles, cyclists, horses and pedestrians.

“I would once again ask that you keep yourself as safe as you possibly can and plan for what will hopefully never happen. You can minimise the risk of coming off your bike and protect yourself if you do.

“It is the responsibility of all road users to keep each other safe. We want all motorists to drive with care, to be on the look-out for bikers and ensure you give them the space necessary. They have as much right to safely be on the roads as anyone else.”