Here are some quick reminders about the things you should think about before you get on your motorbike.

Do you have the right attitude to riding?

The most important thing about you as a rider is your attitude. Being impatient, rude or irresponsible will make riding less enjoyable and will also put you and other road users at risk.

Defensive riding involves observing what’s happening around you, anticipating problems and controlling your motorbike effectively. For more information about defensive riding, see the Motorcyclist Knowledge Centre.

Are you nervous about riding?

If you're nervous about riding, think about what makes you nervous.

• Is it the attitude of other road users? Use the information in the Motorcyclist Knowledge Centre to check anything you’re unsure about and try to ride defensively.
• Are you riding somewhere unfamiliar? Plan your route, allow plenty of time to get there and avoid riding at busy times if you can.
• Are you using motorways? See the Riding on motorways and dual carriageways page for more help. 
• Taking some extra training might help: see the Further training page in the learner rider section for more information.

Are you fit to ride?

There are lots of different factors that can mean you’re not safe to ride, from the obvious ones (eg if you’ve been drinking alcohol or you’re feeling tired) to the less obvious (eg you’re feeling upset or you’ve got a twisted ankle). See the Motorcyclist Knowledge Centre for more information about being fit to ride.

Remember that you mustn’t ride while you’re using a hand-held mobile phone: it’s against the law. If you need to make or answer a call when you’re riding, you must stop and park safely first.

Do you have the right equipment?

What you wear when you’re riding is critical to your safety. You must always wear a safety helmet but you should also always wear motorbike gloves, sturdy boots and protective clothing. See GOV.UK for more about safety helmets and the learner rider section for more about clothing.

What would you do in a collision?

Try to stay calm if you’re involved in an incident.

• Move any uninjured passengers, animals and passers-by away from the vehicles involved in the incident.
• Don’t try to move anyone who’s injured.
• Call the emergency services if necessary.
• Give first aid if you can: see The Highway Code for basic first aid advice.

See the Motorcyclist Knowledge Centre for more information on what to do in an incident.

Have you planned your journey?

Planning your journey will help you get to your destination on time and with the least stress: use the journey planner to help you.