If you ride a bike, you need to know you're covered for every eventuality. Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured on UK roads than car drivers. The majority of Right Of Way Violation accidents at T junctions (a staggering 80%) were found to be the fault of other motorists (usually car drivers who "Didn't see you").

So, do you stop riding altogether?

AS IF!! I might as well have asked you to remove your arm with your teeth! And with the adrenaline pumping through your body as you flip through those S bends, who could blame you?

Just stay safe: Ride to your abilities, choose a bike that fits (not just one that goes the fastest) and make sure you're seen. Other road users perception of motorcycles, especially at junctions, is a big issue: "Not seeing" a motorcycle because of car windscreen pillars is an often used excuse for depriving the roads of another Motorcyclist.

You never know whats going to happen when you rip through that bend on your way to Devils Bridge or Cat n Fiddle (or any other bike mecca). It goes without saying (or at least should), make sure you're fully protected: A quality motorcycle helmet (chin strap secured), Leathers, good quality Motorcycle boots and protective Motorcycle gloves (Kevlar, preferably).

Don't, whatever you do, ride like this fool:

T-shirt, trainers, no gloves, helmet probably not starpped. He might think he looks cool in that photo, but he's probably dead now.

Keep your mirrors clean and ON THE MOTORCYCLE. Non-riders won't notice you've taken them off but most riders will think you're stupid for taking them off. How cool will your bike look when you blindly change lanes into the path of a Lorry?

Make routine checks to your Hog, everytime you pull it out of the Garage:

• Are tyre pressures correct?
• Is the steering smooth and free?
• are your mirrors clear?
• Is the chain tensioned?
• Do your lights and indicators work properly?

Amongst other checks, of course.

All Second nature for most experienced bikers, but on todays roads, you're just as likely to hear of a young lad on a moped getting his unstrapped helmet kerbside (as he ends up hedgeside). Even restricted power bikes (mopeds, 125's, restricted 250-400's) can be as dangerous as a FireBlade. Remember it's not the bike that hurts you, it's the leaving the bike, it's the road, or the wall, or the car. And they're all very very hard indeed. Don't get me wrong, obviously, trundling along at 30 mph on a 2 wheeled hair drier is not the same as breaking the sound barrier on a quarter ton of road beast, but it's the same tarmac, the same bricks and the same steel car body shell.

Each year motorbikes get faster, more complex (and of course, more expensive). Each year the roads get more crowded so you need to be sharper and more aware every time you pull on your leathers and flip the switch. You need to practice "Defensive Riding" to stay alive and intact out there.

Believe it or not, the Police are on your side. OK, so they're not if you ride like a prat, but they really don't want you to get hurt. After all, it's the Police who'll have to scrape you up if everything goes "Wheels akimbo". The Police BikeSafe website has advice on helping you to ride to your full potential. Learn Defensive Riding, buying the RIGHT kind of protective clothing and Top Riding Tips amongst other excellent advice.

Get good, fully comprehensive bike insurance that will take care of you and your family (and of course the bike) should there be one too many four wheeled idiots on the road. If price is an issue, shop around but don't skimp on cover. Motorcycling is mainly a seasonal sport, so you may get away with Fire and Theft insurance for the Winter when the Bike's in warm, comfy storage. Hastings Direct, Bennetts and Adrian Flux are just 3 insurers who specialise in Motorcycle insurance. You might even find a better deal by trying comparethemarket.com.

The Driving Standards agency have created a downloadable booklet that's a must for any twin-tyred road avenger: THINK! Take Control

Have fun, but above all: Stay safe!