RSOs in Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside are urging motorcyclists in the north west to invest in high visibility clothing as winter approaches.
Motorcyclists are being advised to wear the best protective clothing they can afford, including textile jackets and trousers, or leathers, with CE approved armour and a back protector.
But being seen on the road is equally important, as Shelby Williams, RideSafe BackSafe project coordinator, explains: “It will be dark when motorcyclists are travelling to and from work or college and the risk of not been seen on the roads is much greater than in summer.
“Cities and towns are now illuminated with more traffic lights and warning beacons, street lights and shop frontages than ever before and it is a lot for the mind’s eye to take in.
“Now is the time for motorcyclists to assess how conspicuous they are on busy roads in low light conditions, at night time and when bad weather reduces visibility. Regularly checking that your lights work properly is also important.“
For further information contact Mandi on 01584 881 651
Although I agree in the main with wearing brightly coloured clothing, high viz and dayglo. Its not the be all and end all. Lights on bikes are a good idea also, the more lights the better, two are better than one and three are better than two.
Whilst a light is visible it does get lost in all its surroundings, a car fares much better it has two or more lights but also its shape and size and speed can also be determined and its prescence made because other lights from around bounce off it ie. windscreen, bonnet etc. A bike has no such advantage and dark light absorbing clothing including helmets etc do not help.
Some form of free tuition could help. Riders understand the inherent dangers of riding in the dark and how to ride more defensibly and safely. Even a half price cost or nominal fee can in some cases be prohibitive and if we are aiming at reducing deaths and injury perhaps there should not be a cost element. We might then encourage more interest rather than lining someones pockets or supporting a society or authority which now, for whatever reason, has the right to instruct.
Although I do not now have any qualification (I was with the RAC/ACU in the 60’s] I still would wish to pass on many usefull pieces of info gained over 40 yrs of experience.
Bob Craven, Blackpool
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