It’s peak riding season now for most UK bikers and that means checking tyres for damage, under inflation, or rogue nails that might have sneaked into the tread. The real danger for most bikers, and cyclists of course, is the woeful state of Britain’s potholed and badly maintained roads.
Here’s the word;
TyreSafe is supporting the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Operation Apex, running from 1–14 June, with an urgent call for riders to prioritise tyre safety and maintenance as new Government casualty figures reveal a concerning rise in motorcycle fatalities.
The message comes as the Department for Transport’s latest provisional road casualty statistics highlight that motorcycle users experienced the largest percentage increase in fatalities among major road user groups.
In 2025, an estimated 384 motorcycle users lost their lives on Great Britain’s roads—an increase of 13% compared with 2024 and marking the second consecutive annual rise in rider fatalities.
While motorcyclists account for only a small proportion of overall traffic, they remain significantly overrepresented in serious and fatal collision statistics.
TyreSafe is using Operation Apex to reinforce a simple but potentially life-saving message:
Understanding ACT – The Essential Motorcycle Tyre Check
TyreSafe’s ACT message gives riders a simple and effective way to assess tyre safety before every journey.
A – Air Pressure
Correct tyre pressure is essential for safe motorcycle handling, braking and stability.
Riders should:
• Check tyre pressures when tyres are cold, before riding
• Use an accurate pressure gauge
• Follow the motorcycle manufacturer’s recommended pressures, found in the owner’s handbook, on the swingarm, or under the seat depending on model
• Adjust pressures if carrying luggage or a pillion rider, where manufacturer guidance advises
Incorrect tyre pressure can seriously affect motorcycle performance.
C- Condition
Motorcycle tyres should be visually inspected before every ride.
Riders should check for:
• Cuts, cracks or splits
• Bulges or deformities
• Embedded objects such as nails or debris
• Uneven wear patterns
• Damage caused by kerbing or impact
• Signs of ageing or weather cracking
Tyres naturally deteriorate over time, particularly if motorcycles are stored outdoors or used infrequently. Riders should also ensure tyres are suitable for their motorcycle and riding conditions and avoid mixing incompatible tyre specifications unless approved by the manufacturer.
T – Tread
Tread depth is critical for dispersing water and maintaining grip, particularly in wet conditions.
Motorcycle tyre legal requirements vary depending on engine size. While motorcycles over 50cc must have a minimum tread depth of 1mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, mopeds 50cc or under have no millimetre limit as long as all original tread grooves remain clearly visible across the entire tyre.
Riders should regularly inspect tread wear indicators and consider replacing tyres before reaching the legal limit, particularly if riding frequently in wet or demanding conditions.
A simple habit that saves lives
TyreSafe recommends riders carry out ACT checks before every ride, particularly following periods of storage, adverse weather or long journeys. A few minutes spent checking tyres can help avoid breakdowns, loss of control and potentially serious incidents.
Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “The latest casualty figures are a stark reminder that riders remain among the most vulnerable people on our roads.
“For many riders, motorcycles and scooters provide freedom, independence and essential transport—but that freedom depends on machines being safe, sustainable and roadworthy.
“Tyres are too often overlooked, yet they play a critical role in how a motorcycle brakes, corners and responds in an emergency.
“Our message during Operation Apex is simple: ACT before every ride by checking Air pressure, Condition and Tread. A few moments spent checking tyres can make a significant difference to safety.”
“Tyre safety should become part of every rider’s routine, just like checking fuel or putting on protective equipment. ACT is easy to remember and empowers riders to take control of their own safety before setting off.”
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