BIKERS are being urged to take care on Dorset’s roads this spring.

Dorset Police’s BikeSafe team have issued some useful tips and advice to ensure everyone stays safe while out on their bikes.

They are also encouraging motorcyclists to sign up to a life-saving BikeSafe course, being run across the county between now and September.

BikeSafe co-ordinator PC Chris Smith said: “After a long wet winter, the sun is finally out and this means bikers will be dusting off their machines and hitting the road.

“Now is a good time for bikers to check over their machines to ensure they are roadworthy and safe and brush up on their skills by doing a BikeSafe course.

“It is also important for all motorists to be aware that many of the roads are in a bad state following the heavy rainfall and floods. Motorcyclists should take extra care when out and about and remember the road surfaces may not be as smooth as expected.”

Any bikers interested in improving their riding and safety skills are invited to sign up to a BikeSafe course. BikeSafe is a national police motorcycle casualty reduction scheme, run by bikers for bikers. It is available for anyone who rides a bike with an engine size of at least 250cc.

The courses are run in two parts over a weekend.

The first part runs on the Saturday from 10am to 4pm and consists of a theory presentation which highlights the causes of accidents and the theory of advanced riding.

The second part of the course is an assessed ride which will take place on the Sunday between either 9am and noon or 1pm and 4pm.

The course is subsidised by local councils and costs £25.

PC Smith said: “We ride real bikes on real roads in real situations and plan routes to take in all the various road conditions that you might find in Dorset.

“Even the most experienced bikers could learn something on the BikeSafe course that may one day save their life.

“This course provides motorcyclists with a great opportunity to gain advice and tips on areas including cornering, overtaking, positioning and hazard perception.”

BikeSafe courses are running on March 29 and 30 at Wimborne, Allendale Centre, on May 17 and 18 at Wimborne, Allendale Centre, on June 14 and 15 at The Salthouse, West Bay, on August 2 and 3 at Wimborne, Allendale Centre and on September 13 and 14 at Wimborne, Allendale Centre.

For full details, or to book a place on the course, please visit the national BikeSafe website bokesafe.co.uk More details on the course can also be found on the Dorset Police website dorset.police.uk

Bikers are urged to:

  • Make themselves as visible as possible from the side as well as the front and rear.
  • Wear a light or brightly coloured helmet and fluorescent clothing or strips.
  • Put on your dipped headlights – even in good daylight.
  • Be aware that other vehicle drivers may still not have seen you, or judged your distance or speed correctly, especially at junctions.