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The number of motorcyclists involved in accidents that were the fault of defective or otherwise unsafe tyres has increased by 28 percent, according to a recent survey – indicating that motorcyclists are not sufficiently diligent with their safety checks when out riding. These numbers are further compounded by MOT results for last year: 26,000 motorcycles failed on tyre based problems, which is around 75 per day.

The problem doesn’t just stop there – those riding on illegal tyres who are involved in an accident could well find that their motorbike insurance is invalid, resulting in a huge financial problem as well as medical and personal problems likely to be caused by a crash.

Below are a few tips for checking your tyres are safe:

• Check your pressures from cold at least once a week
• Do not over or under inflate your tyres
• Inspect your tyres for cuts, bulges, cracks and other signs of wear or damage regularly
• Use dust caps – not only do they keep the valves clean, the also act as a secondary seal
• Replaced cracked or misshapen rims immediately
• Ensure your tyres are fitted the right way round – look for arrows on the side wall
• Make sure you have the right type of tyres for your machine and style of riding
• Always replace inner tubes when replacing tyres
• Make sure your wheels/tyres are balanced correctly
• Make sure both tyres match – both manufacturer and pattern

April marks the start of national bike tyre safety month, so if you have any concerns or questions, visit your local motorbike dealership or tyre stockist – companies across the country are offering free tyre checks to all including a visual, pressure and tread check. Too many motorcyclists are being injured unnecessarily, and you can help decrease that number by making sure your tyres are safe and in the best condition possible.