Practical tips for better riding
Our police motorcyclists have spent many miles on the road, riding in all kinds of conditions.
They’ve received specialist training and have picked up a few simple habits and insights that can make a real difference to how you ride along the way:
Looking ahead
All bikers know you need to be on the lookout of what could happen next. By being prepared, you can be ready to act if a hazard or risk presents itself.
We recognise that we are very vulnerable on a bike. You can compensate for that vulnerability by using your machines' manoeuvrability in the road.
By looking ahead, you can seamlessly move past hazards that would otherwise have prevented your progress.
No two incidents are the same, but from being the officers attending these collisions, we find it often comes down to those small moments, such as - seeing something a bit earlier or riding a little more defensively - that can help keep you safe.
Our main tip is to never underestimate the importance of reading the road. It’s not just about safety – the road’s more fun when you read it right too.
Be equipped for corners
Where you sit on the road makes a big difference. A small change in position can open up your view, help you see hazards sooner, and give you more options if something changes.
As police riders, we have five key principles to cornering:
- Get a good early view of what's happening ahead - work out where the corner is going and how severe it is. Use treelines, lamp posts, and other vehicles exiting the corner to help.
- Get into the correct position early.
- Make sure you’re at a correct and comfortable speed.
- Adjust your gears as necessary.
- Finally, maintain a constant speed, with positive throttle.
If you want to learn more about the practicalities of cornering, join a BikeSafe workshop: https://bikesafe.co.uk/gloucestershire/
The art of overtaking
Overtaking is another skill which is essential to keeping you and your mates safe. There are many factors to consider before you commit to an overtake.
Ask yourself:
- Is your bike capable of performing it?
- Does the layout of the road mean it is safe to do so?
- Are the road surface and weather conditions safe to do so?
- Have you planned in a return gap?
- Are there any blind spots?
- Finally, check that there aren’t any junctions or parking areas to the offside that a vehicle could appear from.
Remember not to commit too early: move out, pause and assess.
If you don’t know all of the above, play it safe and don’t overtake.
Riding together safely
For many people, riding socially as a group is one of the best things about being a biker. We get it, we love riding as much as you.
But there are a few things that make group riding a little riskier, such as the lure of increasing risk taking and riding beyond your ability.
To prevent this, consider:
- Making a shared plan: ensure everyone knows the route, stops, and what to do if separated. This stops riders feeling forced to keep up or engage in overtakes which aren’t safe in order to stay with the pack.
- Create a ride lead who won't take more risk than others. Choose someone who is experienced, knows the area, and won’t get carried away in the moment.
- Use a staggered formation, allowing everyone to see approaching hazards at the same time, whilst also giving them an escape route if required.
Always ride your own ride, it isn’t about keeping up or proving a point. It’s about feeling comfortable and ready for what’s ahead. Ride at your own pace and focus on what’s right for you.
Getting your gear choice right for better control
Using the correct gear for the situation can make all the difference. A more responsive gear (lower ones) gives you better control over your machine when you need it most - because freedom comes with control.
Our BikeSafe workshop offers more detail on when this theory can be put to the test, and is a great opportunity to refresh your skills: https://bikesafe.co.uk/gloucestershire/
Riding with the British weather
The weather’s always part of the ride in the UK, so make sure to work with it rather than against it.
On warmer days, it’s tempting to skip the gear but layering up in leathers could make all the difference if something should happen. Plan your route, stop for plenty of breaks and drink lots of water. When you do stop, try and park your bike in the shade, as the seat, paints and plastics will suffer if you leave it in the sun for too long.
In the winter months, keeping warm is crucial. Padded riding gear is available, but if you can't afford it, be sure to wear extra layers and make the external layer a waterproof one. Keep several pairs of gloves to hand, as if one pair gets wet it will ruin your riding experience for the day.
Putting your helmet on inside can avoid it fogging up.
In colder conditions, smooth riding really comes into its own. Do your braking and acceleration in a straight line, not when you’re leaning. Be smooth with the controls and stay relaxed, in control, and ready for whatever’s on the road.
Keep alert, even on familiar routes
The more that you drive, ride, walk, or cycle a route, the more familiar you become with the area. You'll expect a car to be parked at a certain place, or a lot of traffic at a certain time.
Our biggest tip here is don’t be complacent. Always aim to be the best biker you can be.
Don't presume that everything will be as it is every day. All it takes one change for situation to be completely new – be poised and prepared at all times.
Riding with pillion passengers
There's a real art to carrying a passenger on a motorbike.
The first step is to make sure they are wearing the correct clothing – they should also be wearing the protective gear that can make all the difference to keep them safe.
Before setting off, explain what they are going to feel and how the bike will react to your moves.
Tell them how they should hold on while the bike is in motion, either reaching behind to hold the pillion grab handles, or wrapping their hands around the rider's waist.
The passenger is as important as the rider in shaping how the ride goes, make sure you’re both on the same page with this vital conversation at the start.
Always keep learning
No matter how long you’ve been riding, it’s easy to pick up habits. A quick refresh can help you stay sharp and confident.
That’s where BikeSafe comes in. It’s a relaxed ride out with our police riders who’ll share a few tips along the way - no tests, no judgement. Just a chance to pick up ideas, build confidence, and learn how to own your ride: https://bikesafe.co.uk/gloucestershire/