Seasonal Riding Hazards for Bikers

With spring fast approaching and the majority of motorcyclists getting ready to pull the bike out of the garage for the first ride of 2005 this article reminds us of some of the seasonal hazards to look out for on the road in 2005.

Spring

Rain Showers - Although it may be nice and sunny when you take your bike out remember that the British spring time is prone to showers. The mix of these sudden down pours and dry roads can leave the highway very slippery so in order to keep that no claims bonus in tact slow down.

Mud - Roads can quickly be turned into muddy skating rings as farm vehicles move on and off muddy fields transferring this mud onto the roads. Be especially careful on rural roads because this mud can severely reduce a bikes grip while cornering on these narrow and twisty lanes.

Caravans - Be extra vigilant for slow moving vehicles such as caravans, especially around the spring bank holidays. Remember you are not the only road users that dust themselves off and come out in their droves as the weather gets better.

Little fury animals - Spring time is a major breeding period for animals such as rabbits and small rabbits with no road sense can cause a bike to severe resulting in a costly bike insurance claim.

Summer

Holiday Makers - Be aware of the holiday makers on the road traveling to their holiday destinations with all the family in tow. Convoys often have no regard for other road users and the screaming kids in the back can divert the drivers attention away from you and the road.

Cyclists - Race season really kicks off with vengeance in the British summer time so be aware of extremely large numbers of cyclists traveling along the UK's roads.

Vulnerable road users - Remember that the British public take to the out doors in the summertime so be aware of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and horses who require extra space on the road.

Farm vehicles - With the harvest in full flow toward the end of the summer be extra vigilant for slow moving farm vehicles especially on country roads. Not only are these vehicles slow moving but they have a tenancy to deposit debris on the road which could reduce your grip so avoid a call to your bike insurance company by being extra careful.

Road works - The summer time seems to be the perfect opportunity to carry out roadwork's while the roads are quiet. Not only do these roadwork's pose an accident threat if your are speeding but they are often accompanied by speed cameras. To avoid those penalty points and driving bans take heed of signs and slow down.

Autumn

Wet weather - As the autumn draws on the weather deteriorates and rain clouds become a fixture in the sky. Be prepared for the roads to be wet when riding and adjust your riding style to suit.

Leaves - With the leaves falling from the trees and settling on many of Britain's roads creating a slippery surface bikers should be careful to avoid them. Hitting wet leaves mid turn can cause a bike to loose grip and result in damage which can ultimately increase next years bike insurance premium.

Water - With the wet conditions it is common to find a lot of standing water on the UK's roads in the attune. These puddles could be just around the next bend so be extra vigilant when approaching blind bends.

Winter

Ice - As the winter progresses frosts become more of a regular occurrence. The resulting ice can leave a motorbike with no grip on the road resulting in accident, be careful when the temperature is at its lowest in the morning and the evening. Be cautious as black ice can be impossible to see with devastating effects.

Road markings - With the increasingly wet and icy conditions be aware that the road markings can become an accident threat as they become very slippery in the damp. Be extra careful when crossing white lines and on round a bouts.

Sun - The sun can reduce visibility in the winter months as the days become shorter the sun is at a lower point in the sky reducing a riders view and putting them at a higher risk of accident.

Salt - Not only will salt speed up the corrosion of your bike but it leaves roads damper for longer reducing a motorbikes grip on the road.

This article outlines a small number of the hazards on our roads that seasonally change os remember to adjust your riding style to suit the environment and season that your are riding in. By being more vigilant on the road when we need to be you can help to keep that no claims bonus and keep down your bike insurance costs.