It's spring, and now the weather's turned brighter and the days lighter many PTW riders will be dusting down their mopeds and scooters after storing them away during the harsh winter.
 
Let's face it, riding is no fun in the perishing cold we experienced this winter - and with snow and ice about, it can be dangerous, too.
 
Now spring is here, the joys of riding through London return. But be warned: there are plenty of slips and falls lying in wait for the unwary who haven't prepared their PTW for the road properly.
 
That’s why in this ezine we're concentrating on the special tasks you need to complete before venturing out on your first spring ride.

Don't get tyred of checking
 
Don't ride your moped or scooter without giving those tyres a thorough check.
 
Tyres are one of the most important parts of a bike when it comes to ensuring rider safety, as they are the only point of contact with the road.
 
If tyres have been stored poorly over the winter break then they could have suffered rubber deterioration and loss of pressure, making them unsafe and illegal.
 
Check that there are no cuts, cracks or bulges, and riders must also ensure there is adequate tread depth to meet legal requirements. If you're not sure how to measure it, most tyre shops will happily lend a hand.
 
PTW riders should also ensure tyres are inflated to the correct pressures. It's simple to do and it might save your life. It'll also save you money: poorly inflated tyres can decrease fuel efficiency by as much as 15 per cent - with the current price of fuel, that's money you can't afford to lose.

Safety starts with a grime-free bike
 
Once you've checked your tyres, is that your moped or scooter ready for the road? No, there are still plenty of jobs to do before you know you're safe.
 
Give your bike a thorough examination, and look for obvious breaks in cabling or chains, which may lead to trouble later. Even to the untrained eye many problems can be easy to spot. Check the brake pads don't look worn, that the chain gear is well oiled and the throttle mechanism is smooth and notch-free.
 
Have a close look at the lights. Are the bulbs working - and are the lenses clean so they shine brightly?
 
If you've taken your PTW out over the winter and then stored it when the weather got too fierce, give it a good clean. It’s not just nice aesthetics to give it a wash: riding during winter can throw up a stream of dirt and, particularly, grit which coats the mechanics – brake parts especially – and can reduce their effectiveness.
 
If in doubt, take your PTW to a specialist repair shop. Most will give your two-wheeler a comprehensive overhaul and service for less than £100. It's a price worth paying if it gives you trouble-free riding for the rest of the year.
 

Watch that sun!
 
One of the biggest problems PTW riders experience at this time of year is being dazzled by low spring sun.
 
Everyone's suffered at some point: you turn a corner only to find the sun shining brightly directly in your line of sight.
 
It's easy to lose concentration and control when it happens, which is why scooter experts recommend helmets with visors to defeat the worst of the glare.
 
Remember too that if you're suffering, car drivers around you will also be suffering. Not only could they momentarily lose control, but also if you are riding towards them with the sun behind you a PTW rider can be virtually invisible. Therefore, take care: never assume the car or van has seen you, particularly if they are turning across your path. Even when it's your right of way, if you see a car indicating to turn across you, slow down and put yourself in a position to take action if the driver suddenly moves across you.
Many drivers never see the PTW coming out of the sun!

Don't cut corners on helmets
 
The economic times are tough - and many people are turning to mopeds or scooters to save cash on their daily commute into London. That's a good way of saving money - but don't be tempted to cut corners on vital safety equipment.
 
There has been evidence of some PTW riders forsaking proper helmets in favor of cheaper bicycling ones. But they aren't legal - cycle helmets do not meet the exacting safety standards demanded of PTW rider's helmets - and they won't provide anything like the protection you need if you should take a tumble.
 
If your head strikes the ground at 30mph, not wearing the correct safety gear will make that a fatal or very serious accident. Modern helmets will provide a degree of security that could be the difference between life and death.
 
Don't cut corners: buy a proper helmet, and leave the sports mountain bike gear for days in the countryside on your pedal cycle.

Lambeth and Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea are offering a free BikeSafe / Scootersafe day to any rider working, living and studying in these areas. For more information, go to your local road safety website.