SAM Weekly Newsletter – 3rd May 2024

Editorial

I’m back and the weather has warmed up a bit. Despite the cool conditions, there was a great crowd of members out last Saturday. Being absent for a week means there is a lot to catch up on in the biking world. 

Devon and Cornwall police have bought a very expensive, state-of-the-art, motorcycling simulator. The intention is to ‘drive down deaths and serious injuries’. Now we are all in the business of helping to make motorcycling safer, but a TV screen and a tethered motorcycle isn’t likely to help. The keys to safer riding is on-bike, on-road, rider training. Hazard awareness, risk analysis, prediction of hazardous events, understanding machine performance, competency in machine control to avoid conflict and getting out of trouble before events become catastrophic. Hazard awareness and risk analysis continually drive the riding plan. The problem with using a ‘simulator’, no matter how ‘state of the art’, is that any competency learned has to undergo a ‘transfer of training’. It’s much better if such training is done in the real world and the money spent on providing affordable training for vulnerable younger riders. Just a thought.

There have been lots of arguments about how ‘dangerous’ it is to ride a motorcycle. The problem is that many people have a fixed belief, no matter how delusional, that riding a motorcycle is dangerous. Did you know that you are twice as likely to die of a sexually transmitted disease as you are from riding a motorcycle? Of course you can abstain from having sex and from riding a motorcycle, but that won’t make life any safer. There are plenty of other risks that threaten our existence. Anyway life wouldn’t be as much fun without sex and motorcycles. 

Riding a motorcycle can open up a world of adventure. Kiley Shields and Rory Gibson are riding Honda 125cc bikes from the UK to Kazakhstan. The bikes were built in West Africa, bought in Ghana. Replacement parts are easily available, or can be made locally. The only real problem the couple have faced so far is the limited range tank, but extra fuel bags seem to have solved that problem. Increased fuel prices in the UK are adding to inflation and the Chancellor’s freezing of the 5p rise in fuel duty has become irrelevant. Having a frugal bike is a very sensible choice at the moment. 

There are a lot more interesting stories in your SAM newsletter this week, so happy reading.

Read Your SAM Newsletter Here!

Contact SAM Newsletter Editor

Got something to share? Want to comment on an item in this newsletter? Fill in this form and we will be very happy to hear from you. Happy reading.

Free Assessed Ride

Want to try before you buy? Fill in the form below and arrange the FREE ride assessment when it’s convenient for you.  Or just ride down to Meadowhall Retail Park, Sheffield S9 1EP, 9am any Saturday morning.

Be safe - ALWAYS carry your Biker I.C.E card!

Riding a motorcycle comes with risks. In an accident, motorcyclists’ injuries are likely to be more serious than those of other road users. To reduce these risks, the Biker I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) Card is a simple but essential tool for riders. It’s easy to use and convenient to carry. It can be folded to fit in your wallet and handed to anyone who needs it, not just accident responders.

The Biker I.C.E. Card contains all necessary information. It has contact information, important health, medical and doctor’s details, a list of medications and your doctor’s contact. If you’re in an accident, emergency services can use the card to quickly understand your health and medical needs t0 provide you with the best care possible.

Just fill in your email address below. We will keep you updated of any design changes. The card is given as FREE public service that you can use and share as many times as you like. You simply add details like your NHS or travel insurance numbers, as these can help emergency responders access your healthcare records or handle costs when travelling abroad.

Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists, well known for our quality assured advanced rider training, support the use of this card. It can be a critical safety tool. While training improves road safety, the card ensures you get the right help should things go wrong.

Download your Biker I.C.E. Card NOW, for safer rides and peace of mind!