Even regular and experienced motorcycle riders can aim to improve their skills.  Below is some information that will help you improve your riding, and as a result, become safer on the road.

Use IPSGA: A system of vehicle control, which stands for Information, Position, Speed, Gear, and Acceleration. This systematic approach helps riders and drivers to make early observations, to anticipate and plan manoeuvres, and to control the vehicle and respond to changing road conditions effectively.

• Information
• Position
• Speed
• Gear
• Acceleration

INFORMATION
You always need to be seeking information to plan your ride and you should provide information at all times to other road users. Because of your increased vulnerability as a motorcyclist, your safety and sometimes survival depends on your ability 'Take, Use and Give information' (TUG).

POSITIONING
You should always position yourself so that you can negotiate and pass hazards safely and smoothly. Before you change your position, always consider your rear observations. Whatever position you are looking to get into, always train your eyes to look as far as you can in the distance and to come back to your present position, scanning the road and road surfaces to assist with being in the right position for the circumstances ahead. 

SPEED
Adjust your speed appropriately for the hazard ahead taking into account visibility, the road surface, the degree of cornering and other road users. Remember the possibility of the unseen hazard too. Always reduce your speed by using your brakes and acceleration sense, not your gears.

GEARS
Select the appropriate gear for the speed that you intend to travel at. Pass through the gears intermediately and do not block change. Systematically working through the gears will help prevent the rear wheel from spinning or locking up.

ACCELERATION
Once you've negotiated the hazard, consider rear observations. You should now be in the correct gear for the circumstances. Use the throttle to maintain speed and stability and open the throttle sufficiently to offset any loss of speed after cornering. Take into account the road surface, the amount of turn required, other road users and road, traffic and weather conditions. Choose an appropriate point to accelerate safely and smoothly and adjust the amount of acceleration to the conditions.

When riders use the IPSGA system of control, which is fully outlined in Motorcycle Roadcraft, they become better able to negotiate hazards safely and show greater proficiency in assessing the road situation dynamically and adapting accordingly.

Practising the system on every ride will allow riders to build confidence in adjusting their approach to hazards and improving their ability to move competently to the appropriate phase of the system for the circumstances.  

Published by the Police Federation, Roadcraft, is essential reading for motorists wishing to adopt advanced driving or riding principals and can be purchased through all major eBook stores.

For further information visit www.roadcraft.co.uk