MOTORCYCLE MANAGEMENT - VALUE ADDED

Safely incorporating motorcycles into the business fleet is a simple but necessary step. Many companies have attempted to use motorcycles in the past and found that accidents and mis-use has made their application untenable. This is mainly due to lack of proper planning in the implementation. It is not wise to simply identify someone with a motorcycle licence, buy them a machine, then send them on their way. This can, and usually does, lead to tears!

Planning and implementing motorcycles requires careful consideration, proper budgeting and setting the ground rules and criteria for success.

As productivity is usually increased by between 25 & 75% the pay back is enormous, and it is a sad fact that companies who fail to plan properly put these very attractive benefits in jeopardy. Motorcycles are not beneficial because they are fast; they are beneficial because they are not impeded by traffic congestion, not subject to congestion charging, are fuel efficient and are easy to park.

Below you will find the first elementary stages to assist your riders, corporate image and reputation to remain safe and secure. This risk assessment is for guidance only and is a summary of the information your will require for successful and safe implementation of motorcycles in your business. Further information is available on request.

	Minimum Requirements	Additional Measures
Riding a motorcycle	Current rider licence. Basic instruction and evaluation of skill level.	Specific training, role assessment and aptitude checks.
Conduct	Working motorcycles, especially when branded should exemplify the principles of the company.	Rider and machine should always be clean. Gestures of acknowledgement and appreciation are encouraged.
Using a motorcycle in traffic, carrying loads, carrying pillion	Being exceptionally vigilant, responsible and aware with regard to other road users. Apprising pillion of behaviour requirement whilst on machine. Awareness of pillion experience and effect on machine. Awareness of effect of additional load.	Specific additional road safety training using an approved body.
Personal protection	Proper protective clothing to be worn whilst riding. Some form of identification to be clearly worn indicating emergency telephone numbers and contacts.	This clothing should provide hi-visibility to other road users.
Noise	Earplugs to be worn whilst riding.	Tailored earplugs are available to individual requirements.
Weather (wet)	Use water-proof clothing or rain-proof over suit.	Enable rider to ‘dry-off’ at least every 2 hours in continuous bad weather.
Temperature	Wear appropriate thermal and other additional clothing. Attention to adverse road conditions.	Addition of specific equipment e.g. heated grips, heated waistcoats etc. The operation may cease if the road temperature falls below freezing.
Machine maintenance	Good preventative maintenance to be undertaken including visual checks of tyres etc. on a daily basis.	Mandatory signed check sheet for daily completion by rider. Completion of check sheet in employee contract.
Fitting of new tyres	Ensure tyres are compatible with machine. If 1 tyre only is fitted, ensure tread and type are suitable for existing tyre. Ensure tyre(s) are ‘scrubbed’ in for 100 miles.
Visibility	Hi-visibility clothing/marking to be applied/worn at all times.	Main headlight to be on whilst riding to increase other road user’s awareness.
Motorcycle visibility	Reflective livery should be added. Corporate livery may be added.	Additional beacons and warning lights may be fitted if required. Hi-visibility graphics may also be required.
Parking	Care to be taken when parked not to obstruct passageways. Immobiliser/alarm to be activated and/or chain to be attached to immovable object and keys removed from machine. If required to park at the roadside, activate warning lights if possible.	If possible park in a secure parking zone with CCTV and personnel in attendance.