Riding Conditions: We asked UK riders what they really think!

At Entire Cover, we know how much the motorcycling community love to get out on the open road. Riding offers a sense of freedom, community, and exhilaration that other forms of transport may not be able to offer.

But we wanted to uncover what Britain’s riders really think about the state of riding in the UK today. That’s why we have conducted a survey of riders across the UK, asking them about their passion for riding, the positive impact it has and the biggest challenges they face when out on the roads.

UK Riders: What are the characteristics?

When looking into the characteristics from our survey, the majority of riders are male (95%), aged between 56-65 (45%). Four in five riders (83%) have been riding over 25 years, with only 5% getting their licence in the last 10 years.

Nearly all (92%) respondents also hold a car driving licence, and interestingly, 73% learned to drive a car after learning to ride a bike. And according to the survey, the majority (77%) began riding as they had always had a keen interest in bikes.

Road Conditions: The Biggest Challenge for Riders

Road conditions are one of the primary concerns for UK riders, as echoed by 91% of respondents in our survey claiming they are the biggest obstacle. A further 86% agree that UK roads need significant improvements, and nearly all (95%) believe road conditions have worsened in recent years.

The other biggest obstacles riders face are dirt and debris on the roads (69%), which causes reduced grip and potential loss of control, other road users (62%), who may fail to spot riders or drive inconsiderately around them, and uneven roads (48%) which can make riding more dangerous.

What may come as no surprise to seasoned riders, 16% of respondents in our survey claim to have been involved in an accident due to poor road conditions.

Safety Concerns: Risks of Sharing the Road

It’s doubtful that any rider in the UK wouldn’t worry about their safety when getting out on the road. Interestingly, while three quarters (74%) of respondents prefer riding than driving, the majority (65%) do drive more.

While this can be due to factors such as weather conditions and riding seasonality, our survey implies this could be due to safety concerns, with the majority of respondents feeling safer in a car than on their bike.

Additionally, 64% of riders have been involved in accidents and attributed this to a fault from another road user, 62% believe that other road users are the biggest obstacle to rider safety, and 55% agree that other road users are careless around bikers.

Making sure riders have the right protective gear is crucial. Essential kit includes a helmet, protective gloves, leather or textile jacket and trousers, and durable boots, which can help reduce the risk of injury in case of an accident. Don’t forget to insure your gear with a helmets and leathers insurance policy for extra peace of mind.

Furthermore, 52% believe there is a dangerous stereotype about riders, often associating them with reckless behaviour. This stereotype not only harms the reputation of responsible riders but also contributes to a lack of understanding about the real challenges riders face on the road.

Road Riding: What are Riders’ Favourite Roads?

Despite the challenges faced, there are still many areas of the UK that many riders love to explore.

Most Favoured Roads:

• Country roads are the top choice for 84% of riders due to their scenic nature
• Coastal roads are also popular, with 66% of riders enjoying these routes for their beauty.

Least Favourite Roads:

• Motorways and dual carriageways are the least favoured, with only 14% of riders finding them enjoyable. This is no doubt due to the increased levels of traffic on these roads, as well as the featureless, straight-line and functional nature of them .

Riding Pros and Cons: What are they?

All riders know that a motorcycle offers more than just a means of transportation. For many, they offer an escape from the stresses of daily life.

This is echoed by the fact that 59% of respondents agree that the main reason they love riding is due to the benefit on their mental health. A further 55% enjoy the time spent alone on the bike, offering the chance to do something they love for themselves.

But riding offers a great sense of community too. 37% of respondents mention the camaraderie and friendships that form within the bike community as a great benefit, while 46% enjoy riding with friends and 42% with a partner, reflecting the strong social ties that riding can foster.

When it comes to the least favourite parts of riding, the majority (52%) claim it’s because they’re not able to get out on the roads as often as they’d like. 42% claim it is the risk of having an accident and 38% dislike navigating dangerous roads the most.

Electric vehicles? What do Riders Really Think?

It’s a hot topic in the community, but over half (54%) of UK riders remain committed to traditional petrol-powered machines, and wouldn’t consider switching to an electric alternative. Those who have made the transition cite environmental benefits (49%) and lower running costs as key advantages.

We know that many motorcyclists are self-proclaimed petrol heads and are drawn to the sound and feel of traditional bikes. It can be said that the quiet nature of electric bikes, though beneficial for the environment, may not appeal to these riders.

International Trips: Riding Abroad vs the UK

For many UK riders, Europe offers a welcome respite from the harsh road and weather conditions at home. Our survey found that 54% of riders have travelled abroad with their bikes, with countries like France, Spain, and Germany being popular destinations.

Road conditions in these countries are often viewed as superior, with better-maintained surfaces and more rider-friendly infrastructure. The better weather doesn’t hurt either! The most significant challenge cited by riders traveling abroad is understanding the different traffic laws in each country – something riders must understand before enjoying European roads.

Bike Theft: A Growing Concern

Motorcycle theft is a serious issue in the UK. Our survey found that 20% have had their bikes stolen, with the most common places being:

• On the street (23%)
• Personal property (21%)
• Parked garages or sheds (18%).

To prevent theft, riders are advised to invest in security measures such as GPS trackers, heavy-duty locks, and secure parking locations to help mitigate the risk.

Final thoughts

Riders in the UK face a number of challenges, from deteriorating road conditions to safety concerns around other road users. However, the sense of freedom, community, and mental health benefits continue to draw riders to the open road. Riding offers more than a way of transportation; it’s a way of life, and it’s clear from our survey that improvements in road maintenance, rider education, and infrastructure are needed to ensure riding remains a safe escape for enthusiasts.  

And for all riders looking for a quote on their insurance, we can help. Get a quote with us today!