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Bicycling is a great way to get some workouts, enjoy the views, and lower your carbon impact. Bike riders, on the other hand, confront a slew of dangers. Even on a designated path, they still frequently share space with automobiles, and accidents can occur anytime. So, you need to be careful and follow basic bike riding safety tips for your benefit and overall wellness.
What Are the Topmost Bike Riding Safety Tips?
Bicycling is a fantastic way to be autonomous while having fun. It's vital to keep in mind, though, that a bike is not a joke. It's a vehicle, after all. So, when you're riding, keep your calm and observe some simple safety precautions. Being safe is of the utmost importance in every walk of life.
Wear A Helmet
Putting on a helmet is the first step in each bike trip. Nevertheless, it's also critical that you get the right fit. This is the greatest way for your headgear to cover you. Everybody, particularly adults and children, should wear a bicycle helmet on every bicycle ride, irrespective of the duration of the journey. You must ensure that the helmet is approved and capable of protecting you in the event of an accident. As a result, avoid low-cost alternatives and go for approved helmets. They may be more expensive, but they will save your life.
Dress in Bright Colors
You need to be noticed by other drivers even if it's afternoon, dawn, twilight, adverse weather, or nighttime. It has not been proven that wearing white makes you more noticeable. Instead, while biking at night or during the day, constantly wear vibrant, fluorescent, or other bold colors. Use reflective material or symbols, as well as blinking lights or something that emits light. It's important to remember that just because you can see a motorist doesn't indicate that the driver can see you too. So, try to wear brighter colors to be seen and avoid accidents.
Watch Out for Hazards
You need to constantly watch out for road hazards. Speed bumps, glass shards, pebbles, pools, twigs, and dogs are all potential risks. All of these dangers have the potential to cause a collision. If you're biking with pals, scream out and point to the danger to notify the bikers behind you. This way, you can easily shield yourself and others from road hazards.
Stay Focused
Keep your eyes on the road and all other vehicles around you. You must foresee what others will do before they even do it. This is proactive riding, and the sooner you detect a particular risk, the sooner you can take action to avoid a collision. You must follow the flow of traffic and move in the same way as it does. Follow the same rules as an automobile when it comes to road markings, indicators, and speed limits. You must also presume that the other party is not aware of your presence. So, keep an eye out for risks or scenarios to avoid, such as objects, stones, potholes, grates and railroad tracks.
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72.2% of drivers consider changing their vehicle as ULEZ expansion looms
Bikesure; the specialist motorbike insurance broker’s recent survey of Londoners found that a majority will change the way they travel when the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion takes place later this year. With motorbike sales recovering in the UK, (in May 2021 sales are up 40.3% vs the 2020*) it is no surprise that 84% of people will continue to ride in the ULEZ following its expansion in October 2021.
Bikesure have published their ULEZ 2021 Report tracking opinion change over three consecutive years towards the ULEZ and the alternative modes of transport favoured by commuters. This year 18.6% are set to choose two wheels over four with 9.3% of them favouring an eclectic or low-emission motorbike, moped or scooter over any other vehicle type.
Londoners to go green on two wheels
Although a majority of Londoners will continue to ride in the ULEZ following its expansion, commuters are giving new consideration to the benefits of switching to EVs. The ULEZ expansion has accelerated a majority of Londoners' intentions to buy an EV (73.4%) as those who join the green transport revolution can anticipate lower running costs as well as making a positive impact on the environment. Encouragingly, only 13.5% of people are planning to stick with petrol vehicles.
Those set to switch to greener alternatives such as an EV or an electric scooter or motorbike can anticipate saving on the £12.50 daily charge for older and more polluting vehicles (up to 3.5 tonnes) that continue to drive within the newly expanded ultra low emission zone.
ULEZ vs. CAZ’s
While sentiments remain positive about the impact of the ULEZ, with its expansion looming, commuter approvals have slightly decreased as almost 4 million people are set to be impacted. This year, 40.3% of respondents felt it was a good idea, compared to 44.9% in 2020.
There has also been a decrease in the amount of people who understood the reasons behind the ULEZ expansion, but couldn’t help but feel frustrated by it. This year, 37.5% approve of the ULEZ expansion but are frustrated by its impact on their lives, down on 43.2% surveyed in 2020.
Encouragingly, 37.4% feel the introduction of Clean Air Zones across several major UK cities is a positive thing for the country. While some scepticism remains, the verdicts are very similar, with again the vast majority (66.1%) hold positive sentiment for the introduction of CAZs.
“After a tough start to the year for the motorcycle industry, it is encouraging to see a positive increase in those not just considering switching their form of transport to motorbikes, but also considering electric alternatives” says Rob Balls, Underwriting Manager at Bikesure.
Read Bikesure’s ULEZ 2021 report here
These findings were sourced from a survey of 1,000 nat rep from 14 - 21 June 2021.
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Motorcycle enthusiasts Mark 'Spoons' Witherspoon and Dave 'Woolie' Newsome took to the stage dressed as princesses Elsa and Anna from Frozen last weekend in front of a crowd of over 100 bikers after making a bet to raise £350 for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Spoons and Woolie “Let it Go” on 21st August 2021 – Woolie’s birthday – at GEMCC Sapphire & Steel motorcycle rally at the Sloop Inn, Temple Hirst, Selby.
Spoons was a Lance Corporal in the Fusiliers for nine years, taking in two tours including Northern Ireland and Bosnia. Woolie is a long-term supporter of the Armed Forces community and runs Team Sober MCC, which has raised funds for SSAFA over the last few years.
The duo said: “We agreed that if we raised £350 for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, we would dress as female princesses. The community has now raised £460 meaning we have to go ahead with our challenge!”
As well as raising a few eyebrows, the intrepid pair has now raised more than £755 for SSAFA with their Frozen inspired onstage exploits.
Their friend, Paul Auduchowitsch, said: “We have purchased the dresses, wands and tiaras for the two of them. SSAFA has kindly provided a pretty sash for the pair of them too!”
Donations are still being accepted, and If you would like to contribute, click here: justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-auduchowitsch2
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. In 2020, our teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 79,000 people in need, from Second World War veterans to young men and women who have served in more recent conflicts, and their families. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person – any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us.
ssafa.org.uk
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- Spanish ecomobility business invests in West Midlands, for UK headquarters and first UK flagship retail store
- Silence brand brings all-electric, two-wheel vehicles to UK
- Solihull HQ site also houses training centre and warehousing, bolstering region as hub for UK electrification
- Regional launch to precede national roll-out of stores and sales hubs
- Latest MCIA statistics show almost 300% growth year on year in registrations of electrified mopeds and scooters
The West Midlands took another leadership step in the electric vehicle revolution – as leading Spanish electric vehicle brand, Silence, opened its ‘urban ecomobility’ headquarters in May 2021, training centre and first UK retail store in Solihull. 
The targeted investment in the region is no accident: it is fast becoming a hub for UK electrification and green travel initiatives.
As well as being a centre for electric vehicle development and production, the West Midlands will also pioneer a UK Clean Air Zone this summer, when Birmingham launches its charging scheme aimed at reducing emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles in the city centre.
John Edwards, one of founding partners of Silence UK, commented: “Solihull makes the perfect location for investment, in the first phase of our launch and establishment of our UK headquarters. Not only is the West Midlands already a hub for electric vehicle businesses and research, but its leaders are focused on ecomobility and infrastructure.”
Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, said:
“We’re delighted that Silence have chosen to base their UK headquarters here in Solihull. Their investment reflects the confidence in the region as we position ourselves to be at the forefront of low-carbon future mobility.
“Transport currently accounts for 39% of Co2 emissions across the borough. Tackling this area is going to be key to unlocking our low carbon future and achieving our net zero carbon aspirations for the region by 2041.”
The regenerated site on Haslucks Green Road includes Silence’s first UK flagship retail store and service centre, covering over 700 square metres. It serves both retail and business customers, with the full UK range of Silence ‘e-moto’ all-electric motorcycles and scooters available for test rides.
Dan Storer, Chief Investment Officer at the West Midlands Growth Company – the region’s official investment promotion agency – added: “Silence joins the West Midlands’ leading automotive cluster at a strategic moment in its evolution. Building on a robust legacy of spearheading transport innovations, our region has a rigorous proposition to supercharge the future mobility ambitions of industry and Government.
“The decision for Silence to base its UK headquarters in Solihull is affirmation of the region’s potential to accelerate innovation in the sector and drive interest from foreign companies with aspirations to be part of a world-class automotive ecosystem.”
The timing of Silence’s UK debut is also no coincidence.
Big changes are taking place nationally in electrified two-wheel travel, which is growing in popularity, as an easy and cost-effective way to cut costs and emissions. The electric 50cc and 125cc market grew +50% in 2020 and is up almost 300% in the first four months of 2021, growing by over 550% in April alone.
These changes are being driven across both the business and consumer sectors.
Last mile delivery and food delivery services have soared during the pandemic resulting in a boom in sales of light weight, smaller and sustainable modes of transport, particularly in urban areas.
COVID has also had a significant impact on the individual commuter too with people turning to independent, private, and green transportation. The experience of improved air quality and quieter streets during the pandemic has heightened awareness of the need to choose zero emission mobility to make cities healthier and more liveable.
And new research shows the impact of choosing two wheels over four: travelling by micromobility instead of a car just once a day reduces an average citizen’s carbon emissions from transport by 67%, according to the University of Oxford. 
Lightweight two-wheelers are ideal for smart all-electric power, giving low maintenance, quick and convenient charging, and avoiding urban emissions charges. The 100% electric Silence ‘e-motos’ are equivalent to 50cc and 125cc mopeds and scooters, travelling up to 91 miles on a single charge while eliminating emissions, noise and vibrations and reducing running costs to around one pence per mile – a massive 80% less than conventional alternatives.
John Edwards explained: “The combined issues of urban air quality, congestion and cost are accelerating demand for smaller, affordable electric vehicles. Silence meets that demand head-on, with the latest in EV design and technology, backed by a European manufacturer with over a decade of market-leading knowledge. We are bringing something new and needed to the market. This is the right idea, at the right time – and the West Midlands is the right place to start.”
Edwards went on to state: “We look forward to helping larger West Midlands businesses transform their fleet operations as well as supporting local independent operators such as restaurants and delivery riders to go electric.”
The Silence DNA of reliable, zero-emission battery power, sharp Barcelona style and smart tech has already captured over 66% of the Spanish and 30% of the European electric scooter market, attracting over 21,000 customers across 25 countries.
Silence’s flagship retail store in Solihull will be one of several flagship stores opening across the UK, with the next sites planned for London and Manchester. A partnership model will also allow entrepreneurial businesses who want to join the EV revolution to retail Silence scooters. 10 jobs will be initially created in Solihull with an estimated 200 jobs to be supported across the UK as the company expands.
The Solihull flagship store is now open to the public with test rides available to be booked on-site or requested online via www.silenceuk.com.
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As motorcyclists, we know we have to do a lot more preparation before heading out on the open road compared to a car driver. While those on four wheels can just get in and drive away, we need to at least don our protective gear before firing up our bikes. 
If you’re travelling with others, you’ll likely need to test your communications equipment and discuss what route you’ll take.
You might also want to consider using some apps as part of this preparation as they can provide us with crucial information about road conditions, help us find the best roads for biking, and keep an eye on us while we’re riding.
Social Apps
One of the best things about riding a motorcycle is the community of other riders that share the same passion. Of course, there are many cafes, bars, and rest stops where you can almost always find bikers congregating, social apps add a new element to this experience.
Kappa, Riser, and Rever are all great options for this. Most include planning and tracking features, but they also include social features like friend tracking, challenges, message boards, and community areas.
This is especially great for when you’re heading on multi-day rides and you want to get tips on where to stay or advice from those that have ridden the route before you.
Entertainment
In that same vein, if you’re riding for more than a day, you’ll need to spend some time resting to ensure you’re fresh for the next day in the saddle. Thankfully, there are thousands of mobile entertainment options that cater to just about every taste.
If you’re kicking back in a hotel, you might want to put your feet up and watch a movie. In which case, apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Britbox are great options. There are plenty of motorcycle shows, movies, and documentaries on all three of these platforms.
Alternatively, you could use the MotoGP app to watch the latest shows including live coverage of races and exclusive interviews with people close to the sport. Those that enjoy betting on MotoGP races while they watch could also download the app of one of the many bookmakers that cover motorbike racing. You can improve the experience even further by creating an account with one of the companies that also offer free bets or one that offers live race updates right in the app.
Navigation Apps 
There are plenty of great navigation apps that motorcyclists can use while riding. They all connect to your smartphone’s GPS to give you a precise location and most will also give you indications of the traffic locations.
The most commonly used apps are Apple Maps and Google Maps, depending on which type of smartphone you own. These are great and will serve most people well, however, you may want to give Waze a try.
Waze uses the same traffic data as the other two apps do, but adds in community reports to alert you to stopped vehicles, police cars, accidents, road closures, traffic cameras, and more.
This means you’ll get faster notification of incidents on your route than you would with any other app.
Tracking
Tracking your riding stats has become a popular hobby among bike enthusiasts in recent years. There are plenty of apps out there that will track your route, speed, and even lean angle.
Apps like EatSleepRIDE will then give you maps that let you see your route, the changes in elevation you went through, and other interesting data. You can then share it to social media or keep a record in case you want to retrace your steps.
Safety
Safety is important when riding. Much of that is your own responsibility, so apps like Autoist can help keep track of your servicing and MOT so you never forget to get your bike checked.
Some apps, including the tracking app EatSleepRIDE, also feature an automatic crash detection feature. This will use your smartphone’s sensors to pick up if you’ve fallen off or crashed your bike and will begin a countdown timer. If you don’t cancel it, the app will automatically alert the emergency services to your location so help can be summoned if you’re incapacitated.
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