We make better drivers and riders

Newbie riders: tips from IAM RoadSmart

Blog post posted on 27/09/17 |
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Advice

After getting a motorcycle licence things can sometimes spiral out of control if you are not careful; from the costs of the bike to the actual kit. The one thing that remains priceless and you do not want to risk is your life. This week’s tips give advice to new riders from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman.

  • Get the right gear. British weather changes very quickly and you can often find yourself wet, cold or hot which isn’t ideal. Invest in a four-season kit and keep an eye out for the weather. Invest in the best rated crash helmet you can afford and don’t be tempted by unknown second hand ‘bargains’
  • No headphones. The temptation to listen to music whilst riding will always be there but it is important to hear what is going on around you. You need to be aware of other traffic and other road users for your safety, and in this day and age – security
  • Sat-nav is becoming commonplace on touring bikes now but be aware that it still poses a distraction threat; the screens tend to be small and in sunshine or rain can be hard to see. It helps to have an idea where you are heading and if you are unsure, pull over safely to check
  • Keep it safe. We recommend locking your bike on something that is fixed and not moveable. If your bike is to be kept outside and you have a suitable area consider fitting a ground anchor to lock it to. Even a really expensive lock is cheaper than replacing your bike
  • Remember that maintenance is key. Whatever your riding plans, commuting in winter or touring the countryside during summer, regularly cleaning and servicing your bike will help keep it in good condition and allow you to spot any potential problems early on

Richard said: “Choosing the right bike is vital. Do you really need a big tourer or a superfast sports bike for the daily commute?  Take a little time and advice from a good dealer to make sure you choose the bike that’s right for your level of skill, experience and budget.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

  1. Richard Gladman is IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards.
  2. IAM RoadSmart has a mission to make better drivers and riders in order to improve road safety, inspire confidence and make driving and riding enjoyable. It does this through a range of courses for all road users, from online assessments through to the advanced driving and riding tests. IAM RoadSmart is the trading name of all businesses operated by the UK’s largest road safety charity, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and was formed in April 2016 combining the IAM, IAM Drive & Survive, PDS and IAM Driver Retraining Academy. The organisation has 92,000 members and campaigns on road safety on their behalf. At any one time there are over 7,000 drivers and riders actively engaged with IAM RoadSmart’s courses, from members of the public to company drivers, while our Driver Retraining Academy has helped 2,500 drivers to shorten their bans through education and support programmes.

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit the new website www.iamroadsmart.com

To find out the name of your own local IAM RoadSmart group please visit: https://www.iamroadsmart.com/local-groups

Media contacts:

Further information from:

IAM RoadSmart press office – 020 8996 9777 

press.office@iam.org.uk / www.iamroadsmart.com

ISDN broadcast lines available

Follow us:

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/IAMRoadSmart

On Twitter: @IAMRoadSmart   

ENDS ALL