TyreSafe Calls on Experienced Motorcyclists to Promote Tyre Safety

TyreSafe and the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) are calling on experienced bikers to help promote tyre safety among motorcyclists. With increasing numbers of motorcyclists taking to the road this spring, TyreSafe and the IAM are advising experienced bikers and biking enthusiasts to help raise awareness of the importance of riding on safe tyres. During April’s Bike Tyre Safety Month, TyreSafe is reaching out to motorcyclists of all levels, including enthusiasts, with a reminder that correct tyre maintenance helps keep bikers safe on the road, and may ultimately save their life. As the improved weather conditions attract thousands of bikers to rallies and race meetings around the country, TyreSafe advises checking the pressure, tread depth and condition of tyres before setting off on long journeys.

“Experienced bikers can help engage others within their owners’ clubs and enthusiast groups to remind them that two small contact patches provide the only contact between the bike and the road,” said IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger. “Developing the skills required to ride a motorcycle in a safe and controlled manner goes hand in hand with a good knowledge of bike maintenance. Riding on correctly maintained tyres is vital to biker safety and can also help to prevent premature tyre wear. It also reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.”

Throughout Bike Tyre Safety Month, hundreds of garages will be offering free tyre safety checks to motorcyclists. TyreSafe advises bikers to make sure their tyres are inflated to the level recommended in the manufacturer’s handbook, adjusting the pressure level to account for any pillion or panier loads. The condition of the bike’s tyres should be checked to make sure there are no tears, cracks or bulges, and any oil or grease should be removed with detergent. Riders must ensure their tread depth is not below the UK’s legal minimum of 1mm around three quarters of the tyre, with visible tread on the remaining quarter. When running in new tyres, riders should not subject their bikes to high speed or power for the first hundred miles, particularly on wet roads. Bikers should also check that their wheels are correctly aligned in order to ensure smooth handling.