The Highway Code contains a section dedicated to a class of road users described as 'vulnerable.' Vulnerable road users are 'Road users requiring extra care.'

Rule 204 defines the most vulnerable road users as 'pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.'

The aim of the rules relating to this group of road users is to warn motorists of the need to take extra special care in situations in which they encounter or may encounter any of the specified group members. Motorists should exercise caution to be alive to the possibility of motorcycles:

· Coming out of junctions

· At roundabouts

· Overtaking (the motorist)

· Filtering through traffic

· Before the motorist emerges from a junction

· When the motorist is turning off the road

· When changing direction or lanes

The rules also advise motorists to:

· Check mirrors and blind spots

· Give plenty of room to motorcyclists when passing them and on uneven, oily or wet roads or those full of potholes or where there are other obstacles such as drain covers.

We can't fault the aims of the Highway Code. However, something isn't working. Otherwise, motorcyclists would not continue to have the highest casualty rates per mile travelled of all road users in the UK.

Why are more motorcyclists killed or injured (per mile travelled) in road traffic accidents than any other road user type?

1. Bikers don't benefit from the protection afforded to those who travel in motor vehicles.

2. Whilst bikers themselves are vulnerable road users, their mode of transport is more powerful than any other. Most bikes are more powerful than the majority of cars. Nevertheless, the bike rider's personal vulnerability is the same as that of cyclists and pedestrians. Accordingly, road traffic accidents involving motorcyclists carry a high likelihood of serious injury to the rider.

3. In 2017, RoSPA, the road safety charity, produced a research paper that drew on other, in-depth studies into motorcycle accidents. The research paper concluded motorcycle accidents have different 'characteristics' to those involving other road users. Motorcycle accidents are likely to include, amongst their causes:

a) failure to give way at road junctions (by motorists)

b) loss of control (by motorcyclists) on bends

c) overtaking manoeuvres (by a motorcyclist)

What are the most common types of motorcycle accident?

1. The biker is usually at fault

· Losing control on bends (particularly on country roads). Excess speed is often a significant factor in this type of accident
· Riding too fast, losing control and colliding with traffic bollards and other road fixures
· Switching lanes when unsafe to do so.
· Rider error
· Overtaking other vehicles
· Drink or drug influence

2. The motorist is most commonly at fault

· Failing to give way at a road junction
· Moving out from a line of stationary traffic into the path of an overtaking motorcycle
· Changing lanes
· Filtering
· Misjudging riders speed
· Motorist running into the back of a stationary motorcycle
· Dooring – driver or passenger of a motor vehicle opening their door into the path of a passing motorcycle
· Motorist failing to leave sufficient space to overtake motorcyclist safely.

Other causes of motorcycle accidents are:

· Weather conditions – which party is to blame for an accident between a motorist and a biker in lousy weather-will depend on the accident's particular circumstances. Going too fast for the conditions is often a factor.
· Potholes or oil leaks – again, much will depend on the individual circumstances of the incident.

Who's to blame for the majority of motorcycle accidents?   

In-depth studies of motorcycle accidents suggest that motorists are to blame for over 70% of road traffic accidents involving motor vehicles and motorcyclists. Most motorcycle accidents occur at road junctions.

Should you get injured in a motorcycle accident, whatever the circumstances, it's a sensible idea to contact an experienced No Win, No Fee, personal injury solicitor who has expertise in motorcycle accident claims. They will be able to advise you on whether you have reasonable prospects of winning a claim if you decide to bring one against the other motorist involved (or the local council or highway authority in the case of a pothole claim).

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The UK is blessed with some fine roads that are perfect for bikers, and they are also lucky that there are many friendly bunkhouses and hotels. The list of biker friendly pubs is not too shabby either. Sometimes though, it is nice to know that there might be some other entertainment available on a trip.

The last year saw many travel restrictions that curtailed long journeys, or even unnecessary short ones. So, it seems that now restrictions are loosening and the lockdowns are once again over, it might be time to get back on the road if you haven’t already.

Here are some ideas for destinations, some of the roads are included but of course, half the fun is making up your own route.

Choosing a destination for a bike trip

For some, the journey is everything, but for others, the destination is of as much importance too. One of the most enjoyable things about travelling around the UK is that there is something for everyone.

Some people enjoy travelling between the big cities, while others prefer the country roads, discovering new areas, making new friends in out-of-the-way pubs and/or head to Wales to the Snowdonia National Park.

Not too far from Snowdonia is Wales’ highest pub, the Sportsman’s Arms, in Denbigh by the moors. This is the fun of choosing destinations for a bike trip, as long as time allows, you can just keep adding more on.

Cat and Fiddle / Forest Distillery    

While on the subject of the highest pubs, the Cat and Fiddle was built in what is now the Peak District National Park back in 1813. It was the second-highest pub in the UK, and now has the honour of being the highest distillery instead. 

The A537, or Cat and Fiddle Road, will take you from Macclesfield to Buxton and has been a popular route for bikers for years.

Brighton & Hove

It is nearly sixty years since the Mods and Rockers met and clashed in Brighton. Now it has been joined to Hove and been named as a city. While many of the roads around the seafront and centre are becoming pedestrianised, the place is still worth a bike trip. 

Brighton itself is home to the British Airways i360 observation tower, the Royal Pavilion, and of course, Brighton Pier. No trip to the city is complete without a stroll down the pier, a bag of chips, and a few quid in the arcade.

The north and south Lanes offer the chance to amble around window shopping before stumbling on one great pub after another. When it comes to eating, there is no end of choice, and no one could fail to find something they like.

The Game of Thrones

This trip doesn’t technically involve any entertainment destinations, more it happens to visit several sites that were used in the filming of the Game of Thrones TV show.

For any serious fans of the books and show, and those who also enjoy stunning scenery, then the Antrim Coast Road in Northern Ireland is a must. 

Traveling from Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway means taking in a wonderful route. Along the route, you can visit sites such as Dunluce Castle. Before you head off, download the app from the Official Northern Island tourism website. This will show all the Game of Thrones filming locations along the Causeway coast.

Summary

There are far more worthy destinations in the UK than could fit into this article. For those who love a bit of seaside and kitsch, then Blackpool might be for you. For others, Edinburgh can offer culture and some fine modern restaurants.

Head through the home counties and take in towns like Marlow and Henley-on-Thames. There are fine pubs along the Thames and plenty of sightseeing to do. 

Or, now the weather is here perhaps a longer trip is due. Head to Cornwall for a few days of biking between towns and discover beaches, coastal paths, and great sights such as Minack Theatre, and Padstow Harbour.

article supplied by Dennis Hamming - SERPTrust - Unpaid for

Sent article for publishing - did not pay, then Sent abusive messages, very unprofessional and dishonest - avoid www.serptrust.io

The British Motor Museum is gearing up to run a full schedule of motoring shows and events this year. Following the Government’s road map announcement the Museum is planning to reopen on 17 May and is delighted to say that its popular show season will also return in line with all government guidelines.

Over 14 shows and rallies are being planned for the summer, to include the return of several popular events such as the Land Rover Show, Retro Truck Show as well as some brand-new events. The show season kicks off with the ever popular Metro and Mini Show on 6 June followed by 3 car club rallies: Ford Nationals on 27 June and the TR Drivers Day and Mogfest on 10 July. The BMC and Leyland Show will return on 11 July, the Old Ford Rally on 18 July and take two of the MGF’s 25^th anniversary with the MGF 25+1 Anniversary Rally on 24 July.

The Museum is asking all visitors and exhibitors planning to be at any of the gatherings, rallies or shows to pre-book their tickets early to avoid disappointment. Events around the country will have limited capacity in keeping with Government guidelines.

The Gaydon Land Rover Show is back on 31 July & 1 August (a changed date for 2021) bringing the finest vehicles, owners and historians together for a weekend dedicated to this iconic marque. The EV Electric Vehicle Festival takes place on the 7 August and the Classic and Vintage Commercial Show, which this year includes the Transit Van Club Rally and Classic Van and Pick Up Show, returns on 14 & 15 August (also a changed date).

Continuing through the summer, new to Gaydon is ‘Autolicious’ on 29 August. This event presented by Audi-licious is a rare opportunity to see an array of stunning cars on display including Audi, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Bentley, Porsche, Mercedes, Lamborghini and VW.

The Gaydon Jaguar Show, which began in 2020, returns on 4 September and is billed as a friendly, informal gathering for all Jaguar fans, owners and enthusiasts. The Retro Truck Show returns on 11 & 12 September and to round the show season off the last two events are indoor; the Large Model Aircraft Show on 24 October and the Great British Model Railway Show on 30 & 31 October.

The Museum is keen to remind any car clubs still looking for a venue for a rally, gathering or marque event for 2021 or beyond, that the Museum offers the perfect setting with its two hard standing arenas as well as indoor meeting space. It also offers special discounted rates for clubs. To find out more contact the bookings team on 01926 649649.

The Museum will continue to monitor the Government advice and keep visitors informed of any changes. All visitors are reminded that in line with the Museum’s new policy, everyone, including those with annual passes, must pre-book tickets so they can be contacted if there are any changes to the show. 

Tickets for most of the events are now on sale and more information about these can be found at www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on 2021 admission prices have been frozen from 2020 and are: Adults £14.50, Children £9 (5-16 years), under 5’s free, Concessions £12.50 and a Family ticket £40 (2 adults & up to 3 children). These prices exclude 5 special show days – see website for details. Tickets to the events also include entry to the Museum & Collections Centre.

APRILIA PREPARES FOR THE SECOND ROUND IN QATAR

The double race on the same circuit is one of the changes that the MotoGP circus made in response to the limitations generated by the international situation. After the experience last season, riders and teams have learned to tackle what is, in all actuality, a new challenge. In fact, the double round presents some unique situations: the setup, if possible, must go into even more detail, without neglecting the obvious adjustments to the changed asphalt conditions.

This is no simple task, particularly for Aprilia, as they are still exploring the potential of the revamped RS-GP. Feedback from the first GP was positive, especially for Aleix Espargaró, finishing seventh but having brought his bike to a gap of just 5 seconds and 93 hundredths from the winner. Never, in all its history, has Aprilia been so high in the MotoGP field.

Lorenzo Savadori, on the other hand, will be making the most of the experience gained during the first weekend. Still not perfectly at ease, both because of a lack of confidence on the new bike and due to a shoulder which continues to limit him, Lorenzo will continue his apprenticeship, seeking to increase his performance level.

ALEIX ESPARGARO'
"The first weekend gave us the feedback we were looking for. We showed, even for those who were sceptical, that we have taken a step forward in the race, as well as in practice. We still have room to grow and the double round here in Doha will give us a chance to continue improving the RS-GP. Goals? Shaving off a few tenths in qualifying and increasing race pace. Getting even closer to the leaders would mean battling for an important result. It won’t be easy. Everyone will have the chance to improve, including solving some problems they had in the first race, so I expect the competition to be even fiercer."

LORENZO SAVADORI
"Even if the first race didn’t go as we had hoped, for us it was important to gather information on how the new bike behaves. We’ll use what we learned last weekend to set up our work. We know what our weak points will be and that’s where we’ll have to focus. During the break, I tried to recuperate as much as possible and, although it has improved, my shoulder is still a limitation. The situation is manageable during practice, but I can definitely feel the strain in the race."

ALEIX BATTLES, SETS THE PACE AND STAYS WITH THE BEST: APRILIA IS IN THE MIX

A SEVENTH PLACE THAT BOOSTS CONFIDENCE AND PROVIDES CERTAINTIES

The question mark was erased with a great performance by Aleix in the first race in Qatar. The new Aprilia RS-GP is fast, consistent and capable of battling with the best. The seventh-place finish today is worth more than it might seem. The gap from the leader is under six seconds, despite a few tenths lost in overtaking - an important message that rewards the hard work on the track and in Noale.

After a good start, Aleix suffered a few attacks straight away in the early stages where, with a full tank, the rider from Granollers preferred not taking any pointless risks. Once he had set his pace, he began an unstoppable comeback, with times that made him the fastest on track in the central phase of the race. Precise and confident overtaking, Espargaró clawed his way all the way up to a seventh-place finish.

It was a demanding race for teammate Savadori, reckoning with a shoulder that suffered over race distance and with a feeling that still needs to be perfected. For the Italian rookie, finishing the race, accumulating data and gaining experience was fundamental, as well as setting up his race for next week, which will once again be here in Qatar.

ALEIX ESPARGARO'
"I am happy. Seventh place may not seem like much, but I showed that I am able to stay with the best all the way to the end, with a gap behind the leader that had never before been so low. In some stages of the race I was cautious, especially overtaking, where I tried to be clean and not risk, and that certainly cost us a few tenths. But after the positive tests and after all the efforts of the team here and in Noale, it was important not to make any mistakes. Now we definitely know that we can be in the game. We are fast, not only in practice, but also when it counts, and that is fundamental."

LORENZO SAVADORI
"A difficult race, both because of my shoulder that was bothering me, especially at the beginning, and also because we still need to improve. I don’t have the right feeling to push. I struggle with a full tank and managing the tyres. Finishing the race was important because, analysing the data, we’ll be able to continue working on the RS-GP. The bike definitely has great potential, as Aleix’s performance demonstrates. Now, during the days off, I’ll try to recuperate as much as possible to be ready for next weekend."