Motorcycle Safety Guidelines

• What are the essential safety requirements for motorcyclists and their passengers?
• Both the rider and any pillion passenger on a motorcycle, scooter, or moped MUST wear a protective helmet on all journeys. The only exception is for a follower of the Sikh religion wearing a turban. Helmets MUST comply with regulations and be securely fastened. Riders and passengers of motor tricycles and quadricycles are also advised to wear a protective helmet. Before each journey, it is important to check that the helmet visor is clean and in good condition.
• What additional protective gear is recommended for motorcyclists?
• In addition to a helmet, it is advisable to wear eye protectors that comply with regulations. Poorly fitting or scratched eye protectors can hinder visibility, especially in bright sunshine and darkness. Wearing ear protection is also something to consider. Strong boots, gloves, and suitable clothing can offer protection in the event of a collision.
• What are the rules regarding carrying pillion passengers?
• Motorcyclists MUST NOT carry more than one pillion passenger, who MUST sit astride the machine on a proper seat, facing forward with both feet on the footrests. You MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger unless your motorcycle is designed for this purpose. Provisional licence holders MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger.
• How can motorcyclists increase their visibility during daylight hours?
• To be as visible as possible from all sides (front, rear, and side), motorcyclists should consider wearing a light or brightly coloured helmet and fluorescent clothing or strips. Using dipped headlights, even in good daylight, can also make you more conspicuous. However, it's important to remember that other drivers may still not see you or correctly judge your distance or speed, particularly at junctions.
• What should motorcyclists wear to improve visibility when riding in the dark?
• When riding in the dark, motorcyclists should wear reflective clothing or strips. These materials reflect light from the headlamps of other vehicles, making you visible from a greater distance. Motorcyclists should also be aware of lighting requirements as outlined in other sections of The Highway Code (Rules 113 to 116).
• What key considerations should motorcyclists have before and during manoeuvring?
• Before manoeuvring, motorcyclists should be fully aware of what is behind and to the sides. This involves looking behind and using mirrors if they are fitted.
• What specific actions should motorcyclists take when in traffic queues?
• When in traffic queues, motorcyclists should be watchful for pedestrians crossing between vehicles and vehicles emerging from junctions or changing lanes.
• What is the recommended positioning in traffic for motorcyclists and how should they approach filtering?
• Motorcyclists should position themselves in traffic so that drivers in front can see them in their mirrors. When filtering in slow-moving traffic, care should be taken and speed should be kept low. The general principle for manoeuvring is to observe, signal, and then manoeuvre.