Last time it was October Tyre Safety Month but this month it is all about Bike Tyre Safety with TyreSafe continuing to highlight the key aspects of tyre safety.

Take a look at these top ten tips to stay safe on the road:

1. It is recommended to continually check tyre pressure and inflated to ensure they are correct
2. Inspect tyres for any cuts, buldges, or any damage that may be harmful such as cracked rims
3. Check that your tread depth is not below the legal minimum of 1mm (for bikes over 50cc)
4. Use dust caps to keep dirt away from the valve core and to act as a secondary air seal
5. Replace old or damaged valve stems
6. Select the correct type of tyre for your machine and riding style
7. Check that both tyres fitted are made by the same manufacturer and have the same tread pattern
8. Make sure that your tyre has been fitted the right way by checking the directional arrows on the sidewall
9. When replacing tube type tyres always use a new inner tube
10. Make sure your tyre/wheel assembly is balanced correctly

Take a read through some of our Tyre Safety articles for more reading.

Here are some key stats:

The latest Department for Transport road casualty figures show there were 82 motorcycle accidents in 2009 where illegal, defective or underinflated tyres 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 tyres.

“Whilst we welcome the news that there are fewer tyre related motorbike accidents, the number is still far too high. Tyres 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 tyre neglect still needs to be addressed. The percentage of motorbikes failing their MOT first time because of defective tyres and wheels in 2009/10 remained at just under 4 percent, similar to the previous year.

http://www.tyresafe.org/news-and-events/detail/don-t-gamble-with-bike-tyre-safety/

If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your bike to an approved tyre fitting centre and speak to the experts.

Join in with the Bike Tyre Safety Month with material available from: http://www.tyresafe.org/bikesafety/

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4. Caravan tyre safety often overlooked
5. Old car tyres represent safety risk if not scrapped or disposed