So is there anything we can do to enjoy our riding more safely?

Is your bike road ready? Check your bikes Tyre pressures, tyre tread, oil, brake fluid & coolent levels, brake pads, controls, electrics. Is your bike clean? Its amazing how all those squashed bugs can reduce your headlight beam.

Get to know your machine - wheres the fuse box? How would you replace a bulb? Wheres the toolkit, what makes the bike go & stop? Does my chain need adjusting or lubing? Knowing your bike could help from being stranded at the side of the road, and will allow you to enjoy your ride!

Whats covering your skin? Making sure the clothing worn is protective against fall or weather, and isn't all the same colours. Or too dark so they don't mingle into the background of the traffic you are travelling in. Wearing a flouro/hi viz jacket can be useful.

Striped clothing breaks up the shape of you and the bike you are riding making you more noticable to the surrounding traffic. At night reflective stickers on the side of the bike and helmet makes us light up in the headlights of other vehicles. Remember at night all that is illuminated is your bikes head, tail & number plate lights. To a driver you could be a cyclist until they're up close and personal.

Make sure your helmet isn't weakened by a drop, ensure its not too old, helmets should be replaced periodically - check with the manufacturer. Is your Visor scratched? Carry a clear visor if you have a tinted visor, weather conditions can change quickly, reducing visibility. Most helmets have quick release visor systems so you can change your visor in minutes.

Gloves & boots - surprising how many folk ride in trainers and thin gloves! Ensure your boots & gloves will give protection from the weather and fall. A few quid spent on decent kit will save you the agony of gravel rash or skin grafts.......

On the road..........

Sight - Keep alert, taking in the road not just in front of you but looking a few vehicles ahead, expect the unexpected. Your position on the road, speed and concentration are all factors that can help you see whats going on around you. Check your mirrors regularly, whats behind you?

Keep your senses sharp.......smells, is that diesel, manure, or a burned clutch/brakes of a broken down truck round the next corner?

Noise - is your bike making a funny noise? It could be a normal vibration of the engine or it could be a sign theres a problem. Or is another vehicle behind sitting on your tail looking to overtake you?

Touch/feel - has the road surface changed from smooth to rough? Potholes ahead? Has rain made the road slippery? Adjust your position and speed accordingly.

Taste - Flys in your teeth? Put your visor down! Seriously though taste can tell you of a change in atmosphere, is it getting colder?

Headlights or side lights can be useful depending on road & weather conditions. A useful place for them is on the motorway/dual carriageways, and in poor weather. In sunny weather the bikes lights can mingle with low sun light, and cause confusion for road users travelling with the sun in front of them.

Try not to ride in the blind spot of the vehicles/bike in front, as the driver / rider in front may not see you.

Slow for horses and their riders, animals on the road in rural areas, pedestrians and bunny rabbits! Keep revs low & Don't blip your throttle especially if your bike has a free flowing exhaust. This may cause animals to run into your path!!!!! If in doubt stop if safe to do so and switch the engine off.

Be courteous to other road users. Give drivers who make room for you, a wave or nod. Show you respect others, other road users have as much right to be there as you do. On the continent, riders wave a leg, and keep both hands on the 'bars!

Be aware when travelling past junctions, is there a tractor ready to join the road from a lane or field? Don't overtake past junctions.

Read the road - watch out for signs, and road paint. Heed their warnings. They are there to help you travel safely - more paint, more danger.

When riding in a group be aware of the different riders experience skill levels. A novice rider could feel pressured into riding outside their capabilities if they are not used to the pace. Let everyone know the route and destination. Swop mobile phone numbers.

Enjoy the ride!

Got any other tips? Let us know for inclusion..........

LINKS TO:  THE NEW HIGHWAY CODE

SIGNALS - SHOWS THE OLD FASHIONED WAY TO TELL FELLOW MOTORISTS YOUR INTENTIONS - GREAT IF YOUR INDICATORS PACK IN!

RULES FOR MOTORCYCLISTS - SOME USEFUL INFO HERE

HIGHWAY CODE ON LINE - THE WHOLE NEW CODE BOOK SEE RULE 159 - TELL YOUR FRIENDS!