TyreSafe is proud to support the National Fire Chiefs’ Council (NFCC) and the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) during Motorcycle Safety Week 2024, running from June 3rd to 9th. Motorcycles make up around 1% of road traffic, but in 2023, they accounted for an estimated 20% of road fatalities and around 12% of road casualties in Great Britain. This week is dedicated to raising awareness about motorcycle safety and the importance of proper tyre maintenance for all riders.
Motorcycle Safety Week aims to promote safety messaging and highlight various courses and resources available to riders to help reduce fatalities and injuries. The initiative encourages motorcyclists to improve their riding skills, adopt safer habits, and educate them on how to respond effectively in the event of an incident. Scheduled to coincide with increased motorcycle activity as the weather improves, this focused week of action also sees a rise in motorcycle casualties.
In support of the NFCC’s and NPCC’s joint efforts, TyreSafe’s partners, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), launched a Novice Riders Hub in 2023, supported by the NFCC. This hub serves as a crucial resource for new riders, coinciding with the National Motorcycle Safety Week. Dan Quin, Road Safety Lead for the NFCC, said, “The launch of the Novice Riders Hub during NFCC’s National Motorcycle Safety Week is fantastic news. This one-stop-shop is a valuable tool in supporting our work and that of fire and rescue services. It will help us to engage with and share trusted advice to those motorcyclists most at risk and their families.”
TyreSafe is committed to supporting and improving motorcycle safety and offers a comprehensive range of resources for motorcyclists. Tyres on a motorcycle create a contact area with the road, around the size of a credit card, and as such, it is crucial to ensure they are in optimal condition for handling and stability. The correct air pressure determines the size of this contact patch, so it is vital tyres are correctly inflated.
Incorrect inflation can also lead to issues such as shimmying and wobbling at low speed, weaving at high speed, a lack of directional stability, and vibrations. Furthermore, reduced air pressure causes increased flexing of the sidewall and tread and can damage the tyre. Just as important, overinflation makes tyres susceptible to potential collision damage.
Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, said, “Tyre safety is critical for motorcyclists. Properly maintained tyres can significantly reduce the risk of incidents and improve overall safety on the road. We are proud to support the NFCC’s and NPCC’s Motorcycle Safety Week and encourage all riders to make tyre checks a regular part of their routine.”
TyreSafe’s commitment to motorcycle safety aligns with the goals of both the NFCC and the NPCC, and together, we aim to reduce the number of rider fatalities and injuries on UK roads. For more information on tyre safety and resources available for motorcyclists, please visit TyreSafe’s website.
