BSB rider Walker voices support for PACT
British Superbike Championship rider Chris Walker has lent his support to TyreSafe’s PACT campaign. Despite being just days away from the championship’s opening round at Brand Hatch on 6 April, Walker has found time to help promote the vitally important issue of motorbike tyre safety.
“As someone who relies on their tyres to provide maximum performance and keep me safe, I know only too well how important it is that they are properly maintained,” he stated. “TyreSafe’s PACT campaign gets the message across that while safety is vitally important, there are also many other benefits to looking after your tyres, including longer tyre life, improved fuel economy, but also better performance and more riding enjoyment.”
PACT stands for Performance, Air, Condition and Tread. By making a PACT with their tyres and ensuring they check their air pressure, overall condition and tread depth, TyreSafe believes riders will be rewarded with better performance including improved handling, grip and fuel economy. The safety organisation says the PACT message couldn’t be timelier – despite the recent cold, spring is in the air and many bikers will soon embark on their first ride of the year, heading out on machines that have been stored over the winter. Prolonged periods without use can adversely affect rider safety as tyre pressures can drop, which can result in poor handling. Furthermore, tyres not properly protected during the winter months can also suffer from cracking and other safety-compromising damage.
“It’s great that Chris has taken time out from his busy schedule to get behind our PACT campaign. Having such a high profile rider gives our advice extra weight and credibility,” said TyreSafe chairman Stuart Jackson. “Of course, as a professional competition rider, Chris is fully aware of how important tyres are to a bike’s safety, while also playing a major part in how it performs. However, it’s not just on the race track that this matters, it’s just as important in everyday riding to stay safe while getting the maximum enjoyment.”
TyreSafe advises riders to seek professional advice when checking their tyres, but for those doing so themselves it reiterates that particular attention should be paid to ensure no cuts, cracks or bulges are present, and riders must ensure each tyre has adequate tread depth to meet legal requirements. Motorcyclists should also ensure tyres are inflated to the correct pressures.
For safe spring riding, TyreSafe recommends motorcyclist adhere to the following PACT advice:
P– Performance, including grip, handling and fuel economy will all be improved with correct tyre care.
A – Air Pressure is essential for maximum performance. Pressures should be checked at least once a week using an accurate pressure gauge.
C – Condition is critical to road safety. Inspect tyres for any cuts, bulges, uneven wear or objects embedded in the tread.
T – Tread depth is essential for safety on wet roads. Check that your tread depth is not below the legal minimum of 1mm (for bikes over 50cc).
Further tyre safety advice for motorcycles including a free downloadable leaflet can be found at www.tyresafe.org.
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