Investigation
Road safety has decreased since lockdown
WE ARE LIVING in unprecedented times, where the new normal is anything but. Even riding your motorcycle is different. Covid-19 and the subsequent spring/summer lockdown changed driving habits and our usual travel or motoring routines overnight.
Traffic density dropped like a stone at the start of the first lockdown (down by an average of 56% according to government figures, and over 80% in some areas) as the country was forced to stay at home. Then as restrictions eased many road users, including us bikers, took advantage of new-found freedom and flocked to beauty spots across the UK, like the Lake District, Derbyshire Peaks and
Brecon Beacons — a situation intensified by foreign travel restrictions, forcing those who would otherwise holiday abroad to instead seek destinations closer to home.
At face value, this influx of traffic to many of the country’s best biking roads isn’t cause for alarm. But with the majority of UK residents staying at home between March and June, our riding and driving skills were far rustier than they’d otherwise have been.
A survey by car manufacturer Hyundai found that 48% of drivers polled stated that they were concerned about post-lockdown driving standards and, as lockdowns become more commonplace over the UK, this is set to become a regular issue. More worryingly, 18% said they’d driven so little since Covid-19 became an issue that they were making many basic errors such as failing to indicate, stalling and forgetting to check their mirrors before pulling away — all potentially hazardous actions for other road users, and particularly bikers.
Stay alert
As alarming as those stats may sound, we shouldn’t assume that our roads have suddenly become significantly more dangerous, says Richard Gladman, Head of Driving and Riding Standards at IAM Roadsmart.
“Obviously, we need to be mindful of other road users and their actions, and it is of course possible that some drivers and riders have become a bit rusty after lockdown. But I’m not convinced certain areas of the country have suddenly become more dangerous to ride, any more than I’m convinced there’s such a thing as a ‘dangerous road’.
“My advice would be to ride every road — even if you know it like the back of hand — as if it’s the first time you’ve been on it. Even without extra traffic, hazards can change each time you ride a road and you never know what is around the next bend.”
More traffic (a doubling of visitor numbers in some cases) means more potential hazards, like slow moving or stationary vehicles, busier junctions, and less safe overtaking opportunities. Favoured biking routes such as the Peak District’s Cat and Fiddle can also, due to their notoriety, encourage some
‘Ride every road like it’s your first time’
RICHARD GLADMAN, IAM ROADSMART
bikers to ride in a manner they wouldn’t necessarily do so on less well-known roads. Add increased traffic volume to the mix, and the potential for incidents is heightened.
‘You need to get your riding back in the zone’
Refresh your skills
There is good news, however. Motorcyclists can take positive action to ensure that we’re less vulnerable on our favourite roads, as Mark Edwards from advanced rider training experts Rapid Training told RIDE.
MARK EDWARDS, RAPID TRAINING
“It’s fair to say that post lockdown, we’ve seen a high demand from riders wanting refresher courses. Many of them have hardly ridden in months because lockdown began around the start of the spring riding season – it’s been like a double-whammy lay off from riding. A lot of our clients are also acutely aware that many drivers are also rusty, so they’re being extra vigilant.
“I’ve noticed just how many bikers are out and about too, so I’d say that any increase in traffic definitely includes bikes. If you’re going to visit areas like the Peaks, Lakes or the Cotswolds I’d say you first need to get your riding back in the zone. If you’ve not ridden in a while, get some miles under your belt on roads you know.”
More lockdowns are inevitable, as is the ensuing inrush on rural roads, but with better, more mindful riding we can avoid either being an issue. In fact, there’s even an upside, says Mark Edwards. “We should ride more, to stay sharp, and if there is another lockdown, use your bike for transport as well as leisure so you don’t end up with long periods off the bike.”