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ROAD SAFETY and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is keen to ensure motorcyclists put safety first on rides this summer. At the heart of this call, according to GEM, is a focus on rider skill for those who may be back into biking after a lengthy gap. 
There were 285 motorcycle fatalities in 2020 (the most recent available figures), with 4,429 seriously injured. Date from recent years consistently shows that ‘born again bikers’ (males aged between 40 and 60) continue to be an over-represented group in collisions.
GEM chief executive Neil Worth commented: “There’s a lot of satisfaction to be gained from riding a motorcycle with skill and precision. That’s why we’re encouraging riders to give themselves a ‘skills MOT’ which will help ensure they lower the risks they face on journeys – and greatly reduce the likelihood of being involved in a collision.
“The recent heatwave has placed unprecedented pressure on the already overstretched emergency services this summer, so anything we can all do as road users to avoid adding to this pressure will help save lives.”
Follow GEM’s simple ‘lifesaver’ safety tips and reduce the risk of being involved in a collision:
- Invest in a refresher day with a training professional. Search online for motorcycle training days or consult your local club or advanced motorcyclists’ group.
- Motorbikes are capable of rapid acceleration and high speeds, but if you’re back into biking after a lengthy gap, then your reactions are likely to have slowed down. Typically, a 55-year-old’s reactions will be almost a third slower than those of a 25-year-old.
- Ensure self-preservation is your priority. The predominant cause of motorcycle crashes is the failure of car drivers to detect and recognise motorcycles in traffic. So, wear high visibility clothing on all journeys, and ride in a way that gives others a better chance of seeing you.
- Please invest in the best protective equipment you can afford. For example, your helmet should be comfortable and fit correctly (for details of ‘SHARP’, the national helmet safety scheme, visit sharp.dft.gov.uk).
- Choose boots that are sturdy, well-fitting and above ankle height. Remember, nearly one fifth of all hospital admissions for motorcycling injuries involved broken bones in the lower leg, so providing protection for ankles and feet is vital.
- On a ride, don’t go beyond your comfort zone, especially if you’re riding in a group. If your friends are cornering too quickly for you, let them go and join them at the next junction.
- Try not to dwell on your errors as you go along. Plan 10 to 15 seconds ahead, anticipate the next hazards. When you stop for a break, reflect on anything that didn’t go to plan, ask what you have learnt and how you can reduce the chance of the same thing happening again.
www.motoringassist.com
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The UK is an amazing place to take a road trip no matter how many wheels your vehicle has. This country is home to winding routes, spectacular landscapes, amazing scenery and some of the best roadside pubs and restaurants to stop off at. If you love the freedom of the open road, then the UK is an ideal place to be. From the coasts of Devon and Cornwall all the way to the Scottish Highlands, you can find smooth roads and stunning views. No matter which region you choose to explore, some foresight and planning will help you put together the best trip. With that in mind, here are some of the main tips to keep in mind when you plan a motorbike road trip in the UK.
Be Flexible with Planning
First of all, it’s a good idea to have a general plan in place, including a detailed route of any roads that you are going to be taking and where you are going to be staying, so that you can get the most from your trip with a smooth and stress-free experience. If you’re going to be staying on the road overnight, it’s a good idea to book your stays in advance as the last thing that you want is to end up struggling to find somewhere to stay after a long day of riding. It’s also a good idea to check the weather in advance and plan your trip around it, as you will want to avoid getting caught in any storms.
However, while careful planning is essential for some aspects of your trip, it’s also good to have some room for flexibility. When you’re on a motorbike road trip, it’s good to be able to keep your plans flexible as much as possible as you never know when the weather might change or when you might want to stay somewhere different to where you had originally planned if you’re too tired from driving or have found somewhere else that you like better. Try to book places to stay with free cancellation or amendments.
Breakdown Cover and Insurance
Before heading on a motorbike road trip across the UK, it’s important to protect yourself and your bike in the event of an emergency or accident. As a motorbike rider it’s hard to ignore the statistics that prove accidents and fatalities are more common on motorbikes compared to in cars, which is why it is so important to make sure that you are safe and have precautions in place to protect both you and your vehicle. Driving on roads that you are not familiar with can increase the risk of an accident, so make sure that your motorbike insurance is valid and up to date. 
Along with checking your insurance, you should also make sure that you have valid motorcycle breakdown cover for the duration of your trip. If you are unlucky enough to have your bike break down in a remote location, you will want to know that somebody can come to help and take your bike to the nearest place where it can get repaired.
Communication, Navigation and Entertainment
Once you are on the road and exploring the country, it’s important to have a good system in place so that you know where you are going, especially if you are travelling somewhere you have never been before. A good GPS system is one of the best pieces of equipment that you can have on your bike.
Along with this, you should make sure that you have enough data on your phone so that if you need to stop and check Google Maps to figure out where you need to go, you’ll be able to do so easily.
If you don’t already have unlimited data on your phone, most networks will allow you to purchase an add-on so that you can use as much data as you like. This is definitely worth paying for as Wi-Fi might not always be available everywhere you go, especially when you get to the more remote areas.
Clothing
Making sure that you pack the right clothes for your motorbike road trip is another part of planning. While you might not be able to fit everything that you want to bring, you should make sure that you can carry any indispensable items with you, especially clothing items that are designed to protect you against the often unpredictable weather in the UK. If you don’t already have one, it is worth investing in an outfit that is lightweight, high quality, breathable, waterproof, and designed to be worn in all weathers.
You may want to consider getting a good quality jacket that is fitted with a removable fleece or thermal liner so that you can easily be comfortable in all weather conditions. Invest in biking jeans or trousers that are designed to not only look cool but also offer the utmost protection in the event of an accident. Consider getting an undergarment that’s designed to absorb moisture and is breathable as this will make it easier for you to enjoy a ride that is more comfortable and less sweaty. And last but not least, invest in some heated gloves if you are going to be travelling during the autumn or winter.
The UK offers some of the best roads for a motorbike road trip with everything you need no matter where you go. Whether you’re exploring the Scottish Highlands or the coasts of the UK, keep these tips in mind to plan the road trip of a lifetime.
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Riding a motorbike is a thrilling experience, but it is also vital that you know how to ride safely as you are a vulnerable road user and motorcycle accidents can be incredibly dangerous. This post will look at a few of the best ways to stay safe while on the roads.
Wear a Helmet & Protective Clothing 
Obviously, wearing a helmet is one of the most important steps to take. Not only is wearing a helmet a legal requirement in this country, but you will also find that it provides essential protection for your head if you were to come off the bike. In addition to a helmet, you should also wear other protective clothing such as leathers, goggles and motorcycle boots.
Keep Your Bike in Good Condition
You also want to make sure that your bike is in good condition and roadworthy, which will require carrying out regular maintenance. This will include tasks such as topping up the tyre pressure, checking the lights, cleaning the mirrors and lubricating the chain. In addition to making sure that your bike is safe to ride, this should also prolong the life of the vehicle too.
As a motorbike rider, you need to make your presence felt on the roads. Motorcyclists often get into accidents and are knocked off their bikes when they are not visible to other road users, so you need to make your presence felt on the road and make sure that you are always visible. If you are involved in an accident that was not your fault, you could look to make a personal injury claim to receive compensation for the damages.
Check the Weather Conditions
A good habit to get into before setting off on a motorbike is to check the weather forecast. The weather in the UK is unpredictable throughout the year, so it is always worth checking before you set off. Driving in rain and snow can be dangerous for a motorcyclist and you should avoid travelling in these conditions if possible.
When riding a motorcycle, you must be completely focused at all times and this is all part of the thrill. This means that you need to avoid distractions as even taking your eyes off the road for less than a second could lead to a serious accident. This is why you should put your phone away and never wear headphones while riding.
Get Training
You will also find it worthwhile getting training so that you can learn how to drive safely and defensively. You can always improve as a motorcyclist and a training course could make a big difference to your abilities (and even bring your insurance down!).
Safety is paramount when it comes to riding a motorbike and these tips should help you to stay safe on the roads.
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As much as you love riding your motorbike, there might come a time when, for whatever reason, you can’t. Be it the weather, an injury, illness, a family occasion, or anything else, it can become rather boring very quickly if you were hoping to use your bike and then realize you can’t. So what can you do instead? Having a backup plan for when you can’t ride makes sense; it means you’ll never be bored, and you’ll always be able to keep yourself occupied when required. So here are some ideas of things you can do.
Learn How To Maintain Your Motorbike
Owning a bike means more than just knowing how to ride it, or at least, it should. If you own a powerful machine like a motorbike, it’s wise to know how to maintain it. Any small problem can mean you’re not able to ride it when you would like to (perhaps adding to your initial problem of having to find something else to do), and you’ll have to pay a mechanic to fix the issue, which can be even more problematic.
If you spend your non-riding time learning how to maintain your motorbike, you can make minor repairs yourself and get back on the road much sooner, saving yourself money in the process. Of course, sometimes an expert is needed, so bear that in mind, but for small things that should be an easy fix once you know how to do it, DIY is best and will give you a great sense of satisfaction.
Reorganize Your Garage
If you’ve been telling yourself – and others – that you’ll reorganize your garage soon, why not do it when you can’t ride? It might feel like a big job, but the truth is, once you get started, and you work methodically, you can get it cleared and tidy in no time. Of course, the first task is to throw out anything you no longer need. Once you’ve done that, you’ll have more space to play with, and you can start categorizing the items that are left, arranging them however you want them. Often it can be useful to invest in storage boxes or large tool chests with drawers to help keep things safe, and don’t forget the walls – shelving is always useful.
Play Online Games
Can’t ride? Then search online for some games to play. Playing online games will take your mind off not being about to get outside, and they are also a great way to relax if you’re feeling stressed or unwell for any reason. There are thousands of games to choose from, including motorcycle simulators. There are also adventure games, casino games such as sports games, and puzzles. No matter what you enjoy, there will be a game or genre of the game available to try.
What’s great about online games is that you can still play even when you can go out and about on your bike again. Of course, not while riding, that would not be safe, but when you need a break from the road, the games on your phone can be ideal entertainment.
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Forlifts are no doubt, an important part of the construction industry and buying the right type is extremely important as it directly affects the efficiency and productivity of your company. There are many different things that you must consider when buying a forklift and it is important that you do wide research on all types of forklifts to get familiar with them. Beginning from what is the perfect height that you should be using, you have to make sure that this equipment is just perfectly suitable for your company to carry out all the major operations.
Let it be clear that if you are buying a new forklift, it would obviously come along with an expensive price tag and therefore it's your significant investment, so be sure that you consider all the factors before buying it. Another important thing to discuss here is that it is common to see people buying new forklifts without any research, as a result of which they sell them very quickly later. Even if you have not used it, the equipment will be labelled as used and therefore, the price will be significantly reduced!
So why not buy the right one in the first place?
Consider the following factors before buying a forklift.
The Environment 
Your business will directly affect the type of forklift that you will be using this is mainly because of the fact that you have to pick the tires and also the fuel type accordingly. You must take your working environment into consideration as well and especially focus on the surface that is present inside the working environment so that you pick the tires accordingly. Let it be clear that there are different categories of forklifts for smooth and rough surfaces. You must also consider whether you are aiming to work with the forklift indoors and outdoor and how many hours a day are you intending to use it. You must ask all of these questions to yourself as their answers will eventually gather to make you choose the right forklift. If you are someone who wants to know more about how forklifts work, you can a forklift manual from the Caterpillar service manuals.
The Height
You have to check the height requirements of your work zone. If you are making up your mind to buy one, you must check what is the typical lift height in your area? It is also important to measure the highest possible point to which you are expecting your forklift to reach. Another important aspect is to check the height restriction, are there any low hanging lights that might be a problem for you? Most people also want their forklifts to reach underneath a height structure which is fixed and for that, one should consider the collapsed height of mast.
Consider Load Size
Your lift requirements are most important to consider and in the end, everything will come down to them. You can’t buy a forklift if you don’t know what is the minimum to the maximum amount of weight that you want it to be working with on daily basis. It is totally useless to get a forklift that doesn’t even come in the category of your requirements. There are a few things that you should be looking at to check if the forklift you are considering is the right one.
â— A rough estimate of the highest possible weight that you work with.
â— The overall width of your various loads
â— The average load weight
What people do not know is, that there are many different attachments available online that you can purchase for your forklifts. What these attachments do is, aid you in lifting more weight. Attachments such as paper roll clamps and carton clams are easily available online at the most affordable rates.
Type of Fuel
Mainly there are the basic three types of fuel options for all the forklifts from around the world. These options are electric, gas and diesel. Talking about electric forklifts, they are pretty costly but the best part about them is that they consume a much lesser amount of fuel as compared to the other two options. Another best thing about them is that they are environment friendly as they do not at all produce any types of emissions that could potentially harm the environment, and that is the reason why people love to work with them indoors. Talking about gas and diesel forklifts, although they consume a much larger amount of fuel as compared with electrical ones and they do produce emissions as well, these forklifts have a much greater capacity for lifting high loads, and the best part of using them is that they can move much faster which means you can your work much quicker. Diesel and gas forklifts are mostly used outdoors.
Choosing the Right Company
Once you have decided to get a forklift, it is extremely important for you to choose the right company, mainly because of the fact that your forklift is basically your investment and you can’t be just buying it from a random unknown company. You must do thorough research online, take recommendations from friends and family, and read online reviews on different websites to decide which company is better and sells the best construction equipment.
Also manuals for Motorcycles + Atvs
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