The UK’s motorbike riders are sounding the alarm over dangerous road conditions, with many now taking their road trips overseas.

In a recent survey of riders, conducted by motorcycle insurance comparison site Entire Cover, it has been revealed that nearly nine in 10 (86%) respondents believe that British roads need a lot of improvement. Not one respondent agreed that roads needed no improvement, and nearly all (95%) agreed that road conditions have worsened over time.

So, what do today’s riders think their biggest obstacle on the roads are? According to the survey, it’s:

1. Potholes (91%)
2. Dirt and debris on roads (69%)
3. Other road users (62%)
4. Uneven roads (48%)
5. Bad weather (39%)

Potholes are a continuing problem in the UK, with claims for pothole damage more than doubling in a year² and the government’s recent Plan for Change attempting to tackle our pothole crisis³.

And the poor state of Britain’s roads, as suggested in this survey, is echoed by the fact that nearly one in five riders (16%) claim to have been in an accident due to poor road conditions. A further two in five (39%) said the main reason they dislike riding is having to navigate dangerous roads when on two wheels.

One rider laments that, “car users are getting worse at spotting us (despite lights on, high visibility colours and helmets) and the roads are so poor now that every ride there is a risk I will damage the bike and/or have an accident.” While another simply states “I hate the appalling state of our roads which are a hazard to road users but particularly dangerous for motorcyclists and cyclists.”

Instead of grinning and bearing it, many of Britain’s riders are choosing to flee the UK altogether and ride abroad, in a bid to be free of Britain’s worsening roads, with over half (55%) of riders stating they regularly ride abroad.

And as one respondent comments that “riding on the continent feels much safer,” another blames the state of British roads: “The poor state of UK roads i.e. potholes and uneven roads and congestion is why I dislike riding here. This is not the situation in France.”

So, what can be done to entice Britain’s riders onto our roads safely? A spokesperson at Entire Cover said:

“It’s shocking to see how concerned riders are about the safety of UK roads. Many are now opting to travel abroad for their summer trips, which not only adds unnecessary costs but takes riders away from the joy of riding in the UK, while highlighting the urgency of improving our roads. Riders deserve roads that are safe and accommodating to their passion, not ones that pose a risk to their safety or are driving them elsewhere.”

For more results from this survey, click HERE.

(Pic: Marcin Mierzejewski/Dreamstime.com