Safer Journeys to School

A moped is a motorcycle that has the following features:

• maximum design speed not exceeding 30mph
• an engine capacity no greater than 50 cc

If you are 16 and want to ride a moped or scooter on the road you must have completed a compulsory basic training course (CBT) to validate your provisional licence.
By law you must wear a safety helmet when riding a motorcycle on the road.
All helmets sold in the UK must either:

• comply with British Standard BS 6658:1985 and carry the BSI kite mark
• comply with UNECE Regulation 22.05
• comply with any standard accepted by a member of the European Economic Area which offers a level of safety and protection equivalent to BS 6658:1985 and carry a mark equivalent to the BSI kite mark.

You should also consider using the following items of clothing when riding a motorcycle:

• Protective clothing which:
• Protects you from the weather
• Helps to protect you from some types of injury
• Helps other road users to see you

Visors or Goggles

A visor or goggles are vital to protect your eyes from wind, rain, insects and road dirt. All visors or goggles must comply with a British Standard and display a BSI kite mark, alternatively must comply with a European standard which offers a level of safety and protection at least equivalent to the British Standard and carry a mark equivalent to the BSI kitemark (ECE 22-05).

 

Gloves or Gauntlets

Good gloves or gauntlets are essential when your ride a motorcycle. Never   be tempted to ride without gloves. 

Boots

It is important to wear good boots or footwear when you ride a motorcycle. If you wear sandals or trainers your feet will have little protection if you fall off.

 

Licenses for larger motorcycles

There are two types of full motorcycle licence:

• A light motorcycle licence (A1), which restricts riders to any bike up to 125 cc and a power output of 11 kW. The practical test must be taken on a bike of between 75 cc and 125 cc
• A standard motorcycle licence (A), is obtained if the practical test is taken on a bike of over 120 cc but not more than 125 cc and capable of at least 100 km/h per hour. After passing the standard motorcycle practical test, you will be restricted for two years to riding a bike of up to 25 kW and a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.16 kW/kg. After this you may ride any size of bike

 

Riders age 21 or over, or those who reach 21 before their two year restriction ends, have other options.