Don't gamble with bike tire safety
Tyresafe Press Release - Apr 11, 2011

As UK’s bike tire safety month continues during April, TyreSafe, the UK’s leading tire safety organization, is highlighting the high price that motorcyclists continue to pay for not looking after their tires properly. 

TyreSafe top tips for motorcycle tire safety:
1. Check your tire pressures from cold at least once a week using an accurate gauge
2. Inflate tires to the level recommended in the manufacturer's handbook
3. Inspect tires for cuts, bulges, uneven wear or objects embedded into the tread pattern and replace if necessary
4. Use dust caps to keep dirt away from the valve core and to act as a secondary air seal
5. If your rims are cracked or bent they should be replaced immediately
6. Check that your tread depth is not below the legal minimum of 1mm (for bikes over 50cc)
7. Replace old or damaged valve stems
8. Select the correct type of tire for your machine and riding style
9. Check that both tires fitted to the bike are made by the same manufacturer and have the same tread pattern
10. Make sure that your tire has been fitted the right way round by checking the directional arrows on the sidewall
11. When replacing tube type tires always use a new inner tube
12. Make sure your tire/wheel assembly is balanced correctly
13. Keep oil and grease off your tires using detergent if necessary
14. If you are unsure on any aspect of tire pressure or tire condition take your bike to an approved fitting centre and speak to the experts.

As April’s bike tire safety month continues, TyreSafe, the UK’s leading tire safety organization, is highlighting the high price that motorcyclists continue to pay for not looking after their tires properly.

The latest Department for Transport road casualty figures show there were 82 motorcycle accidents in 2009 where illegal, defective or underinflated tires were a contributory factor.
Although it represents a slight decrease on 2008, each one is an avoidable accident, says Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe, who warns motorcyclists not to be complacent about their tires.

“Whilst we welcome the news that there are fewer tire related motorbike accidents, the number is still far too high. Tires play a crucial part, perhaps the most important role, when it comes to motorbike safety as they are the only point of contact that the bike has with the road surface.”

Additionally, statistics from VOSA’s MOT data reveal that the level of tire neglect still needs to be addressed. The percentage of motorbikes failing their MOT first time because of defective tires and wheels in 2009/10 remained at just under 4 percent, similar to the previous year.

However, to help motorcyclists ensure their tires are in a safe and roadworthy condition, TyreSafe has teamed up with tire and motorcycle dealers across the UK to offer a free tire safety check throughout April’s bike tire safety month.

The checks will include a visual inspection, looking in particular for any cuts, bulges or cracks in the tire, plus any irregular wear patterns, which can be a sign of problems with other components, set-up or riding style.

Pressures will be checked against the recommended levels with any necessary adjustments made for any pillion or pannier loads. The tread depth will also be examined to make sure the tire has sufficient tread to remove water from the road surface and meets the legal minimum tread requirements.

Jackson adds: “To help avoid becoming another road casualty statistic, riders should check their tires at least once a week. Particular attention should also be paid before the first ride of the season, especially if their motorbike has been stored in the garage over the winter months. Dealers supporting bike tire safety month will be delighted to carry out the checks for free for motorcyclists who are unsure about how to do it themselves.”

Click here for more information about motorcycle tire safety or bike tire safety month.  

TyreSafe is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of the dangers of defective and worn tires.

In 2009, TyreSafe was awarded with the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award in recognition of its achievements in raising awareness about the dangers associated with driving on defective and worn tires.

TyreSafe supports the government’s ACT ON CO2 campaign, which promotes Smarter Driving tips to help cut CO2 emissions from driving.

TyreSafe is a signatory to the European Road Safety Charter, which was launched in 2004 with the aim of halving the number of deaths on European roads.