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TyreSafe backs NPCC’s Two Wheel Operation with urgent call to protect young riders through better tyre safety and maintenance

TyreSafe is supporting the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Two Wheel Operation, running from 2nd to 15th June, with a strong focus on helping young powered two-wheeler riders stay safe—and independent—on the road.

The campaign highlights a powerful truth – a single tyre-related incident can cost a young rider their independence, whether it’s being stranded at the roadside or, in the most serious cases, sustaining life-changing or fatal injuries.

In support of the operation, TyreSafe has launched a brand-new suite of campaign materials promoting safe and sustainable riding. These resources reinforce TyreSafe’s ACT message—a simple but vital three-point check for riders to regularly assess their Air pressure, Condition, and Tread before every journey.

Working in collaboration with the National Young Riders Forum, TyreSafe is placing special emphasis on supporting riders aged 16–24, many of whom rely on smaller-powered motorcycles or mopeds to travel to work, college, or social activities. These riders represent one of the most vulnerable—and overrepresented—groups in UK road casualty figures.

Recent data from the ‘Young Riders Matter’ project, funded by the Road Safety Trust and delivered by Agilysis Ltd, underscores the risk:

Year Slight Injuries KSI (Killed or Seriously Injured) Fatalities
2021 4,525 1,355 56
2022 4,642 1,400 60
2023 4,707 1,448 59
Total 13,874 4,203 175

While riders account for just 1% of all traffic, and young riders even less, they are significantly overrepresented in killed or seriously injured (KSI) statistics—a call to action that cannot be ignored.

Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, said, “For many young riders, powered two-wheelers are essential for getting to work, education or simply enjoying their independence. But tyres are too often overlooked—and that can have devastating consequences. Our campaign, with the clear ACT message, encourages all riders to check their tyres for Air pressure, Condition and Tread. A few seconds can make the difference between a safe journey and a serious incident.”

Heidi Duffy MBE, National Young Rider Forum Facilitator, added, “We’ve seen far too many avoidable incidents involving young riders where tyre neglect played a role. These new materials speak directly to the needs and habits of young people, and ACT is a simple, memorable way to take control of their safety. We’re proud to support this campaign and urge every rider to make these checks routine.”

The National Young Rider Forum is hosting a day, on Wednesday 11th June, dedicated to young rider safety, culminating in a free-to-attend online event in the evening that invites riders, carers, parents and any other interested parties from across the country to access guidance, support and advice to help support young rider safety. Details about the day and the event, including registration, can be found here: https://newriderhub.net/young-rider-day/

The social media assets supporting the campaign are free to download and share, and have been designed to resonate with young people and those who work with them, including colleges, local authorities, and riding instructors. In addition, TyreSafe houses a full suite of educational assets specifically for anyone riding PTWs, including a video, poster, technical guide, social media assets and a campaign activation guide, to support communications teams, local authorities and partner organisations.

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