Solution proposed for shocking amount of bikes rolling on dangerous tyres

Tyres are among the most common “dangerous” causes of motorcycle MOT failure, but the National Motorcyclists Council is after a solution

Michelin tyres

A new partnership between the National Motorcyclists Council and TyreSafe is seeking to reduce the number of motorcycles rolling with dangerous tyres on UK roads.

Both the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) and TyreSafe are jointly promoting awareness, generally speaking, of the necessity to properly maintain your motorcycle and, more specifically, your bike’s tyres.

One-third of motorcycles fail their MOT at the first inspection, and the NMC says that 29 per cent of the motorcycle MOT failures that are classified as “dangerous” are regarding tyres, which makes the black hoops connecting your bike to the road the most common “dangerous” cause for motorcycle MOT failure.

The partnership of the NMC and TyreSafe aims to explain to bikers, especially those who own older bikes, that there are also costs in terms of motorcycle performance and fuel consumption associated with riding on poor tyres, as well as the obvious safety risks. 

Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, said: “Tyre safety is a win-win-win. Proper maintenance reduces the rider’s risk of being involved in an incident, reducing running costs and minimises environmental impact.

“This new partnership will help increase the reach of our life-saving ‘safe tyres save lives’ message across different rider groups.”

NMC Executive Director Craig Carey-Clinch said: “With our shared aspirations for motorcycle safety, the NMC is delighted to be in partnership with TyreSafe. This further strengthens the growing coalition of riders and road safety stakeholders with the aim of bringing the importance of motorcycle-specific safety, as part of wider road safety delivery, to the attention of government and others. 

“Tyre safety is a vital part of motorcycling and with TyreSafe’s growing focus on rider information, plus their links with the wider industry, the Council looks forward to a hugely productive relationship.”