A NEW Motorcycle Hub has been created to help young West Midlands riders stay safe on the roads.
The Novice Rider Hub has been created by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and features a series of videos, infrographics and a wealth of information.
The website provides the latest safety and style advice on motorcycle clothing and protective gear, such as helmets, along with types of motorbikes, including engine sizes and the appropriate licences needed.
There are also essential riding tips and tricks on how to be safe on the road and advice on how to keep motorbikes in good condition and roadworthy.
The new site’s introduction coincides with The National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) National Motorcycle Safety week, which began on Monday and runs until Sunday (April 3 to 9).
Data shows that from 2018 ti 2021, a total of 445 16 to 24-year-olds were killed or injured on the region’s roads – 93 per cent of those were male.
Nationally, 4,657 motorcyclists aged 16 to 24 were killed or injured, compared to 1,931 40 to 49-year-olds.
Nationally 16 to 24-year-old motorcyclists are twice as likely to be killed or injured than 40 to 49-year-old counterparts.
David Walker, RoSpA’s head of road safety, said: “When you’re a young adult and keen to get out and about, having your own transport is exciting and liberating.
“But we know youngsters are at the most risk of injury or death on the road, with 16 to 24-year-olds twice as likely to be killed or seriously injured when riding their motorcycle.
“Our Novice Rider Hub is a one-stop-shop for everything a young rider needs to know if they own a motorcycle and equips them with the tools ready to ride safely and confidently.”
He urged parents of young adults who rode motercycles to check it out and encourage their child to do the same.
“Knowledge saves lives.”
Dan Quin, NFCC’s road safety lead, said: “The launch of the Novice Riders Hub during NFCC’s National Motorcycle Safety Week is fantastic news.
“This one-stop-shop is a valuable tool in supporting our work and that of fire and rescue services.
“It will help us to engage with and share trusted advice to those motorcyclists most at risk and their families.”
Visit rospa.com/road-safety/novice-riders-hub to access the hub.
