Motorbike 180More than 80% of East Sussex's bikers have been involved in a road traffic collision or a near miss while on their bikes according to the findings of ESFRS ‘Tales of the Road’ survey.

Launched in July 2015 the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service survey sought to provide an understanding of what it is like to be a biker on the roads of East Sussex and Brighton & Hove in order to feed into FRS road safety campaigns.

The Service received more than 120 responses to the survey, capturing statistics and stories from the perspective of the biker on a range of areas including rider demographics, training, collisions and advice for other bikers and road user.

ESFRS Intervention and Incident Reduction Team's Garry Alexander said: "With a significant number of people on our roads using their bikes to get to work and for pleasure this survey has enabled us to capture a snapshot of opinions and advice. The survey has given a voice to those riding motorbikes in our area and we look forward to using the results to influence our future campaigns."

Most felt driver distraction, including mobile phone usage, was the biggest problem on the roads with one respondent saying, “Please look out for riders - you don’t need to make phone calls or update your Facebook while you’re behind the wheel".

ESFRS advice for motorcyclists based on insight from THINK! includes:
• riding defensively makes you less vulnerable
• anticipate the actions of others
• be able to slow down and stop if the unexpected happens
• position yourself in the safest and best place to maximise your visibility of potential hazards
• take a 'lifesaver' glance over your shoulder before carrying out manoeuvres, so you know where others are and what they’re doing
• wear the right gear - fall off your bike and tarmac will shred through your jeans in seconds.

To find out more visit Sussex's Safer Roads Portal