Are more motorcycle riders on the road creating more risk?
In 2024, the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) revealed new vehicle market data showing a huge increase in L-category vehicle registrations for scooters, motorcycles, and other light vehicles.
New registrations for December 2024 were 114% more than those in the previous year, with 11,206 for 2024 and just 5,236 for 2023. Overall, these statistics represented a 2.5% market increase from the year before.
In response to this sudden increase in L-category vehicles, TyreSafe, one of the UK’s leading tyre safety charities, released new guidance to minimise the risk of tyre-related motorcycle accidents.
Let’s take a closer look at what this news means for motorcycle users and how this safety advice can minimise the need for motorcycle accident claims.
Why should we expect more motorcycle users on UK roads this spring and summer?
TyreSafe’s statistics show that there’s a clear spike in motorcycle sales during the spring, with more riders travelling on UK roads in the sunnier months of the year. There are plenty of reasons for this:
- The weather is nicer and more enjoyable
- Snow and ice are less likely
- Less wind and rain
- Longer daylight hours mean more opportunities to ride
Ultimately, with more motorcycle users on the road, the risk of motorcycle accidents is higher.
What does this mean for road safety?
It’s important to note that not all of these new riders will be experienced. Some motorcycle users may be new to motorbike riding, which means they could be nervous, unprepared, and lacking the key safety awareness required for safe journeys.
Plus, with motorcycle use being more common in spring and summer, many users will likely overlook tyre checks and general maintenance, which are usually conducted in the winter months when users have more downtime.
Along with this comes the fact that many users’ bikes will have been in storage and infrequently used over the winter, meaning their tyres will not be in the best condition. This further increases the risk of accidents.
While the spring presents fewer weather-related hazards on the roads, this doesn’t mean they are completely free from risk, either. From wet leaves and potholes to sun glare and floods, motorcycle users will still need to stay alert despite the nice weather.
This is something that many riders forget, with the sunny weather being quite misleading in this respect.
How is TyreSafe educating motorcycle users on road safety?
According to Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, “With the increasing number of people using powered two-wheelers for commuting and work in addition to leisure riding, tyre safety has never been more important.”
In light of this statement, TyreSafe has released new motorcycle tyre safety resources to keep the UK roads safe despite an increase in motorcycle users. The goal is to provide the owners of L-category vehicles with all the knowledge they need to keep themselves and others safe on the road.
The ACT message
One of the most useful resources is the introduction of the ACT message to help motorcycle users remember the key checks they need to carry out before hitting the road:
- Air: Users should check their tyre pressures regularly and adjust according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Underinflated tyres can cause a wobbly ride and increase wear, leading to a higher risk of tyre blowouts and, subsequently, accidents.
- Condition: Before riding, users should inspect their tyres for any cuts, cracks, bulges, and embedded objects to reduce the risk of tyre-related accidents. Never ride a motorcycle if you spot a potential tyre issue — instead, get it seen by a professional straight away.
- Tread: Users should always adhere to the legal tread depth requirements for their category L vehicle. Take a look at the UK’s legal tread depth requirements below:
- Motorcycles over 50cc (L3e, L4e, and L5e): A minimum tread depth of 1.00mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s width and around its circumference with a clearly visible tread pattern on the remaining quarter.
- Motorcycles 50cc or below (L1e and L2e): No specific minimum tread depth is required, but the original tread pattern must be clearly visible across the whole tyre.
- Mopeds: Mopeds are usually only 50cc or below and are very similar to small motorcycles in this respect. There is no specified minimum tread depth, but the tread pattern must be visible across the tyre.
- Tricycles and quadricycles: For vehicles over 50cc or with an unladen weight (the total weight of the vehicle without fuel, batteries, passengers, goods, and other items) over 410kg, users should adhere to the 1.0mm minimum tread depth guideline. For those 50cc or below, the original tread pattern must be clearly visible on the tyre.
- Motorcycles over 50cc (L3e, L4e, and L5e): A minimum tread depth of 1.00mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s width and around its circumference with a clearly visible tread pattern on the remaining quarter.
While these are the legal minimum requirements, it is strongly recommended that users replace their tyres before they get to the minimum tread depth to ensure optimal grip and safety.
What to do if you’re injured in a motorcycle accident
If you find yourself injured in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, here’s what to do:
- Seek medical attention for yourself and any others injured. Remember that some injuries may not present immediately, so it is always worth getting checked over by a medical professional.
- If possible, try to gather evidence of the accident through medical records, photos, videos, helmet cam footage, and witness accounts.
- If there is any damage or injury to any party, report the accident to the police or your insurance company.
- Contact a reputable motorcycle accident solicitor to support you with a motorcycle accident claim.
At Tylers Solicitors, we have spent the past 15 years helping victims get the compensation they deserve with our no-win, no-fee legal services. If you get into a motorcycle accident due to the increased number of motorbike users this spring and summer, know that our team is here to support you.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch to speak with one of our helpful legal experts. Call us on 0800 699 0079, email us at info@tylerssolicitors.co.uk, or fill out our contact form.
