Biker’s Guide to North Welcome to the seventh edition of the Contents Biker’s Guide to . Inside you will find useful We the police with our partners Welcome...... 1 information to help you enjoy want you to ride safely having the roads in this beautiful Crash data...... 2 respect for the roads you use county, along with some and for other road users. Bikesafe...... 3 tips on personal safety, from getting your bike ready Tragically, over the last ten Bike care...... 4 to reading the road. years there have been 110 Bikers killed and 815 seriously Overtaking...... 5 injured on our rural roads. It gives you information on: Following crash investigations, Helmets...... 6 l Maps and advice on the majority of these crashes riding stretches of road Get ready for the roads...... 8 were associated with errors where bikers regularly made by the riders, either with come to grief Reading the Road...... 10 machine control or road craft. l Information on bike care Riding in groups...... 12 and kit At the end of the day we want you to return home l Riding tips, including Maps group riding to your family safely ready for the next ride out. A170 Thirsk to Scarborough ...... 14 l Information on Bikesafe courses which will A64 Tadcaster to Scarborough ...... 16 improve your skills A59 Skipton to ...... 18 l Possible traffic offences A65 Ingleton to Skipton ...... 20 l Crash data A6108 Scotch Corner to Ripon ...... 22

Enhanced Rider Scheme...... 24

Road Traffic Offences...... 25 Traffic Sergeant Sean Grey

1 Motorcycle Crashes in North Yorkshire cornering, overtaking and group riding are the problem areas. From 2006 to 2015, 110 motorcyclists were killed on rural North Yorkshire Really obvious things seem to roads and 815 were seriously injured. be placing everyday riders in life threatening scenarios. Over half Nearly a the riders In the classroom, ‘BikeSafe’ can quarter live were aged offer potential solutions to the in West 40 to 59 most prevalent crash causes Yorkshire ‘BikeSafe’ is a nationwide and thereafter, following an 80% of police-led motorcyclist casualty observed ride element, prepare collisions reduction initiative that is an individual rider development Nearly were rider Half live run by the majority of forces report which can be taken to all collisions error in North throughout , Wales, a post-test training provider. involved bikes Yorkshire Scotland and Ireland. Large ‘BikeSafe’ is about ‘Bridging the over 500cc numbers of riders attend Gap’ into accredited training. Nearly ‘BikeSafe’ sessions annually. Courses are normally two half ‘BikeSafe’ works toward modules, a classroom theory occurred on Government casualty reduction A roads session followed by a two hour targets in an effort to reduce observation ride, after which the number of people killed you will be given a written and seriously injured in assessment of your riding road collisions. On the and areas for improvement. top 5 High ‘BikeSafe’ strategy is to engage Risk Routes with post-test riders in a conflict Nearly Nearly half free environment to consider a quarter of of collisions and analyse why motorcycle collisions occurred occured while crashes are happening, whilst the rider was the rider going straight was negotiating including the attitudinal and ahead A quarter a bend motivational issues. There To book a course in of collisions are fewer causes than you North Yorkshire go to occured might imagine with five strong www.bikesafe.co.uk/Booking during late or email braking themes emerging throughout the country. Filtering, junctions, [email protected]

2 3 Bike care Overtaking and filtering

Looking after your Over the last few years There could be a high speed bike and carrying out there has been a significant vehicle coming the other way, these simple checks increase in motorcyclists hidden from view. To overtake safely you need a view of before each ride could colliding with other everything going on around save your life. vehicles during or after an you and none of us have overtaking manoeuvre. In x-ray vision. You have no idea many of these situations, how a driver or rider will react riders collided with an when they see you overtaking them. You can’t assume they oncoming vehicle or lost will slow down to let you in. control and left the road. They may do the opposite. Tyres Suspension Please remember, overtaking Make sure your tyre pressures Make sure you have set the If you are filtering past stationary not only requires the skill to are correct and adjust them if suspension correctly for the type or slow moving traffic, do it judge speed and distance, but a you carry a passenger or extra of riding you are doing. Getting with care. The closely packed good knowledge of your bike’s luggage. Check you have enough it wrong can be dangerous vehicles reduce your visibility, acceleration. With a bike you are tread and remove any grit. as well as uncomfortable. manoeuvrability and reaction not used to riding, take time to time to a minimum. A lot of Chain Lubrication learn how it reacts to acceleration drivers will not know that you Check the tension is correct. Check your oil levels including and braking in different gears, are there and may move across Oil the chain regularly and check the hydraulics. Grease or oil before doing any overtaking. in front of you or open a door. the sprockets for uneven wear. all moving parts of the bike. Don’t overtake when If you are riding with others, approaching: Brakes Servicing plan everything for yourself. l bends Never let your pads wear down Make sure you follow the Snap overtaking decisions l junctions to the minimum specified by the recommended maintenance are dangerous. l lay-bys manufacturer – this will often schedule. Getting the brake l pedestrian crossings be indicated by a colour marker fluid changed regularly is l hills or dips in the road on the pads. Neglected pads particularly important. l where there are double can result in life threatening white lines or other signs damage to brake discs. prohibiting overtaking. 4 5 Helmets

FIT When you choose a helmet, 4. Does It Come Off? follow these five tips With the strap secured. Tilt your head forward and get someone COMFORT 1. Get Your Head Measured to try to roll the helmet off your Measure around the fullest part head by carefully applying upward SAFETY of your head just above the ears force to the rear of the helmet. If and choose a helmet in that size it can be rolled off, it’s likely that it range. It may be tempting to will come off in a collision. buy the model you want in the wrong size but a helmet that is 5. Safety Standards too small will be uncomfortable Ensure your helmet comes and a helmet that is too large with either an ‘E’ or BSI may come off in a collision. approval marking.

When choosing a helmet Research by the SHARP 2. Try It On For more information and to it is better to choose scheme suggests that in 80% Adjust the strap so that you can check helmet safety ratings only fit two fingers between it and the helmet that fits you of fatal and 70% of serious go to collisions, head injuries were a your jaw. You should be able to www.direct.gov.uk/sharp correctly and offers the significant factor. In the same feel the helmet against all parts of best protection rather than study, in 14% of collisions, your head without any pressure choosing one for its looks. riders lost their helmets during points. If not, the helmet may be impact. In order to give you the the wrong shape for you. The SHARP (Safety Helmet best protection your helmet Assessment and Rating needs to be a really good fit. 3. Too Tight or Too Loose? Programme) Scheme tests the With the strap secured, try rotating energy absorption qualities of the helmet from side to side. On helmets and produces a five a full face, your cheeks should star rating. follow the movement of the helmet Text and logo DFT ©Crown Copyright 2011 and stay in contact with the cheek pads. Next, tilt the helmet forward and back. It should stay in position and not move.

6 7 Get ready for the roads

Get the right kit Boots and Gloves Read the Road Become an expert Always ride with jacket, It is common for riders to Become an expert at reading of manoeuvres trousers, gloves and boots received ankle breaks and foot the road and spotting biker Be on full alert when negotiating which will give you some crush injuries. Wear above hazards. Inspection covers, bends, junctions, overtaking protection if you come off. ankle height boots made for shiny asphalt, painted lines, and crossing junctions. Always buy the best you motorcycling. Gloves should mud, leaves are all things you Take a ‘lifesaver’ glance over can afford. have extra protection across need to avoid if you can. your shoulder before making the palms and knuckles but Jackets and Trousers Always scan the road as far a move. Make sure you know make sure they are not too tight Leather offer the best protection ahead as you can. Look for where other road users are. when gripping the bars, which from abrasion and impact but clues in the distance that tell may limit circulation and ability Always remember that the best textiles can be more waterproof you what the road is about to operate the bar controls. way to negotiate a bend is slow and practical. Make sure the to do. Signs, lampposts in and smooth out. Wait until you stitches use Kevlar© and that and hedges can help you Be in the right place at can see the exit before applying the jacket is close fitting, with read the direction of the the right time power. Don’t be pressurised padding around the back, road. Remember, where The middle of the lane is to ride into a bend faster than shoulders elbows and wrists. you look is where you go. generally the best place to you are comfortable with. Trousers should also be close be but be guided by traffic Ride at a speed that will allow Practise braking at different fitting with protection around conditions. Choose a position you to slow down and stop speeds. Start slow and build the knees and thighs. Make that maximises your view of the within the distance you can see up confidence, so that in a sure they are comfortable and road and the amount of time to be clear. This is especially real emergency you can slow don’t cut circulation to the other road users can see you. important on roads you know down and avoid the hazard. lower leg. When turning, take up your well. The right speed will depend on conditions. Be Body Armour road position early so other on the look out for stray Some riders consider body road users can see what you animals, cyclists, horse armour uncomfortable but it are trying to do. Signal your riders and farm vehicles. does provide more impact intention at the appropriate protection by absorbing and time in the manoeuvre. spreading the forces of impact.

8 9 n Ease off the throttle smoothly n On a straight road with no and get in the right gear early. other traffic practise braking Aim for a neutral throttle with bent arms. In a stressful opening through the bend. situation, it is natural to brace yourself for an impact but n Wait until you see the exit of with bent arms you will have the bend and can see where better control, find it easier the road goes before applying to change direction and have the power. more feel for the front tyre. © Copyright Mick Garratt and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence. Grip the tank with your thighs n We all counter-steer without and try to move your elbows thinking about it, but some around. It you can’t, you are Reading the Road positive forward pressure on hanging on too tight. the inside bar will force the A useful way to help judge your BUT... Remember that the bike to turn quicker. n On a straight road with no approach speed and speed ‘vanishing point’ tells you other traffic practise braking through corners is to use the nothing about the potential n If you lack confidence in hard at different speeds. Start ‘Vanishing Point’ . This is where, hazards beyond what you can cornering, you may turn in slow and build up as you as you look into the corner, the see. If you read the hedges early to avoid having to turn get used to braking hard. two sides of the road (or verges) rather then the kerbs or if the hard later on. Turning in early This will not only give you appear to meet. If you keep verge changes width or doesn’t may cause you run wide confidence when you have to looking towards this point you’re follow the line of the road, it and veer into the roadside do it for real but will reduce looking far enough ahead to ride can lead to you thinking the or oncoming traffic. Wait your stopping distance in an smoothly and see problems early. bend is more open than it is. until you can see the exit of emergency. But if you also notice whether Corners where the road changes the corner before you turn this point is moving towards elevation are difficult to read – in tighter. Find a speed that n Don’t be pressurised by you or away, you have a crucial they can appear more open than doesn’t cause panic and your mates, or the rider indication of what the corner is they actually are, causing you to practise turning in later. following you, to rush into a doing next. If the vanishing point run in too fast. corner faster than you are is moving towards you, then the comfortable with. bend is tightening up and you need to roll off the throttle. If it’s Never ride faster than the speed that allows you to stop in moving away from you, the bend the distance you can see to be clear. is opening out.

10 11 Ride your own ride Plan ahead If you drop off the group, don’t Plan regular fuel and food be tempted to ride beyond your stops at least every 90 minutes. abilities. If the rider in front of Devise a plan for on-road you is quicker, don’t succumb communications; agree signals to peer pressure and get out of for low fuel, road hazards, your depth trying to keep up. upcoming turns etc. Never turn off the road unless you are sure Overtaking the follower has seen you. The other main factor in group riding crashes occurs whilst Ride in staggered riders are trying to overtake formation when possible other traffic to keep up with When road width permits, ride the leader. To reduce the risk, on alternate sides of the lane give the rest of the group time you are travelling in. This not to catch up by backing off only enhances visibility but until followers are also past. also helps to create a safer space around each bike. Riding in groups It’s tempting to follow the rider in front when they overtake. Take regular breaks Group riding is a popular Ride to the bike behind you Always make your own decision Group riding can be more pastime, but is not without One of the main factors in based on the conditions you stressful and tiring than solo its risks. A significant crashes while in a group is when are experiencing at that time riding. Fatigue has caused riders try to keep up with the – never rely on the observations number of motorcyclist many biker crashes, especially bike in front. This can easily be or actions of other riders in on the way home from a casualties have occurred avoided if you ride to the bike your group. group ride. Take regular when riders are in a group. behind you rather than the bike Pass other vehicles one at a breaks and reduce your speed in front – keep the bike behind If you decide to join a time, not as a group. Each rider when you recognise you you in your mirrors all the time. group ride, please keep in will have better visibility ahead, are losing concentration. mind the following points: spend less time on the wrong side of the road and have more time and space to react if something goes wrong.

12 13 Map 1: A170 Thirsk to Scarborough blind crest HELMSLEY A19 hidden SUTTON BANK dips A170 THIRSK

hidden SUTTON-UNDER- junctions WHITESTONECLIFFE adverse camber to Scarborough deceptive bends

B1261

A170 village entry PICKERING SNAINTON

Key Fatal Road bends

Serious accidents Road narrows

Slight casualties River

N Safety cameras Railway line operate on this route

14 15 Map 2: A64

Tadcaster to Scarborough BEWARE FARM ENTRANCES Beware traffic joining AND TRACTORS at Bilborough Top N STREET HOUSE Key Fatal Road bends

Serious accidents Road narrows OXTON HALL Slight casualties River

Safety cameras Railway line road floods in heavy rain operate on SHERBURN this route TADCASTER

A169 A659 A162

tight bend at Rillington MALTON NORTION-ON Beware traffic joining -DERWENT A1 A64 from A162

A170 SCARBOROUGH

blind crest and junction at Hutton Ambo

A64

A64 Beware turning traffic at Barton crossroads traffic lights at Saxton CLAXTON

STAXTON

16 17 Map 3: A59 Skipton to Harrogate

sudden BOLTON ABBEY dip to Harrogate A65 BLUBBERHOUSES

Bolton Abbey A59 A6131 station B616 A65 0 A6069 to Harrogate A59 SKIPTON

B6165 A61 A1 KNARESBOROUGH A59 GREEN HAMMERTON

A59 N

HARROGATE A661 Key Fatal Road bends

Serious accidents Road narrows

Slight casualties River

Safety cameras Railway line operate on this route

18 19 Map 4: A65 Key Ingleton to Skipton Fatal Road bends

Serious accidents Road narrows INGLETON Slight casualties River

Safety cameras Railway line A687 A65 operate on this route restricted view restricted Clapham view

B6480

Giggleswick

SETTLE restricted view

Long Preston restricted view B6478

Hellifield B6265 A59 Gargrave

A682 A65 A59 SKIPTON A629 N

20 21 22 toRipon Scotch Corner A6108 5: Map

BEWARE FARM ENTRANCES A66 AND TRAFFIC A1M Scotch Corner

restricted A6108 view

beware emerging traffic from holiday park Skeeby RICHMOND Marske Hudswell beware emerging traffic from B6270 Downholme B6270 Key Fatal Road bends

Hipswell Moor Serious accidents Road narrows beware turning traffic Slight casualties River Safety cameras Railway line A6108 operate on Bellerby this route

restricted view

LEYBURN A684 A684 Harmby

Spennithorne

Middleham

East Witton

A6108 Jervaulx Low Ellington

beware traffic turning into ice cream parlour

B6267 Low Burton

West Tanfield

A6108 Thornborough

slow

N North Stainley 23

A6108 Enhanced Rider Scheme Road traffic offences We want you to enjoy your riding in North Yorkshire and continue to be a responsible and respectful road user. However, if your riding draws attention from the Police, ERS is designed for fully n If your riding is assessed as there are a number of potential offences they may stop licensed motorcyclists satisfactory, the process ends you for. and it’s perfect for there and you will be issued an ERS certificate those who: n Lights not working n Exhaust not conforming n have just passed their test n If training is needed, a rider n Speeding to regulations development plan is devised n n Defective tyres n are upgrading to a more Crossing double white lines that concentrates on the (i.e. tread too low) powerful bike n Careless riding specific areas needing n No helmet n n are returning to biking after attention. Dangerous riding n Tinted visors a break n Causing death by n Once you’ve completed careless riding n Contravening road signs n simply want a health check your training, you’ll receive a n No tax / fail to display tax on their riding or are thinking n Causing death by report and a DSA Certificate dangerous riding n No MOT of going onto a higher level of Competence, which then qualifies you for an insurance n Causing death while n No Insurance ERS is tailored to your discount! not insured n No driving licence / riding needs. You do as little or as n Registration plate not with a provisional licence much training as required; it To find out more go to conforming to regulation. concentrates on identifying www.direct.gov.uk/ERS (i.e. wrong size / typing wrong weaknesses in key risk areas To find your nearest DSA style / no registration mark) such as bend negotiation, approved instructor, go to overtaking, filtering, positioning www.dft.gov.uk/fyn/enhanced.php The above is not a definitive list of offences and others can be and junctions. The trainer’s role committed. They can be dealt with in a number of ways and each is to help you to further develop carry their own penalties from vehicle defect rectification notices and your riding skill and reduce risks. fixed penalty notices to reporting for summons with the possibility of imprisonment if convicted. Some offences may also result in your motorcycle being seized by the police.

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