Top Tips to Keep New Riders Safe on the Road

Whether you’ve just passed your  CBT or you’ve been riding the roads for years, every biker will have their own variants of advice to keep you safe whilst out on your bike. Firstly it should go without saying that having the correct safety gear (helmet, jacket, gloves & boots) is an absolute must when heading out on two wheels.

Here's a few ways to make sure you’re safe on the road.

1.   Be Tech Savvy

Ultimate Addons tough case and mount enable you to easily attach your phone to your bike. Meaning you can use your phone to navigate the winding roads of freedom. 

Having your device simply mounted to your bike enables you to concentrate on the road and ride comfortably and safely without having to make any extreme maneuvers due to missing a sign post or guessing an exit etc. 

The tough case is fully waterproof and offers a waterproof charging slot as well. There are a variety of mounts to choose from, including form stem, accessory bar, mirror stem and top clamp mounts, meaning they will fit to most bikes on the market.

2.   Stay Dry

Having the right gear for riding is essential. A very underrated yet incredibly important piece of equipment for any rider are a pair of good Waterproof Gloves.

If you’re riding in the UK you will all too well understand that it's not always rainbows and sunshine. Whilst it's good to have a nice pair of summer gloves, we’d always recommend that you have a good pair of winter, waterproof gloves to hand. From a safety point of view, your hands are one of the most important contact points on the bike so if you start to lose feeling due to the cold or wet then things quickly become dangerous.

There are plenty of great options on the market, in a variety of styles so you can be sure to find a suitable pair for your winter riding sessions.

If you’re new to riding and need to build up your confidence then why not read A Beginners Guide to Riding in the Rain.

3.   Make Sure You’re Visible

Granted, you’re not going to be winning any style awards but let's be honest safety should always be higher on the list than fashion. Wearing a High Viz will massively increase your chances of being seen and therefore keep you much safer on the road.

Picture a stormy sunday riding down the M1, with lots of spray and low visibility, ideally you wouldn't be out on your bike at all but needs must hey… if you’re riding along on a dark bike with dark clothing you’re going to be almost invisible to the average car driver. So just make it easier and safer by making sure you’re seen and visible.

There are a variety of options, from your standard High Viz waistcoat to a full one piece overall or for something a little more discrete a High Viz Belt can be easily fitted over your standard gear.

In the winter months you may find yourself riding at night a little more. If you’re feeling unsure about heading out in the dark, why not read How To: Ride At Night.

4.   Practice Good Maintenance

One of the very best ways to make sure you’re safe whilst out on the road is to make sure your bike or scooter is in good working order. The last thing you want is something going wrong with your bike whilst out riding.

We always recommend you get your bike regularly serviced (check with your manufacturer for best service intervals). Outside of the work of a professional mechanic there are plenty of ways you can keep your bike in good working condition. Top of that list is keeping your bike clean. Get yourself a good Cleaning Kit and make the time to give your bike a regular going over.

5.   Read Up

If you feel you need a little guidance with some of the finer details of riding then why not have a look through The New Rider Journal. Covering everything from getting through your CBT course and on to Full Licence riding as well as the very best biker locations and riding routes. It is also packed to the brim of helpful articles such as ‘How To: Ride With A Pillion and How To: Ride In a Group’.

With stories from globetrotting bikers and information on advanced rider training this journal will be a great addition to any biker.