South West - A370
Road: A370 - Where: North Somerset
The A370 in North Somerset joins up-and-coming Bristol with the seaside resort of Weston-super-Mare. Doesn't exactly sound X-rated does it? But the statistics tell a different story and the A370 is every bit as risky as its top ten most dangerous in the West Country status suggests.
On the face of things, it’s a perfect biking route. Winding and rural, it’s a blast to leave Bristol’s urban gridlock behind, giving your bike a lungful of fresh air and octane as you head for the coast. It’s a road that helps blow out the cobwebs and leads to a place where you can both breathe a bit of restorative sea air and watch the age-old battle between chip-eating human and chip-wanting seagull, and all without putting a wheel on the jam-packed M5.
What’s not to like then? Well, it may look good on the map but, in reality, the A370 is plagued by modern life. As a heavily trafficked commuter and holiday route, it’s littered with multiple distractions from undivided three-lane sections and experimental high occupancy commuter stretches to muddy farm entrances and lane-blocking bus stops.
Pinballing between dual carriageways and small towns means you need to concentrate doubly hard on your speed and, if you like your licence, on those speed cameras too. But there’s a good reason for them here. Tired commuters, dawdling caravans, thunderous HGVs, mud-dropping tractors, wobbling cyclists, school run parents with erratic children and, yes, less experienced weekend bikers all inhabit the A370 - and frequently all at the same time. It’s not a road to play with.
Still want to go to the seaside? No problem, just don’t ride like you think your ice cream’s going to melt. Keep those spidey senses on full alert, ride safe and arrive alive. Oh, and if you get peckish in Weston, do be careful of the seagulls.
Armchair Biker
Armchair Biker is a freelance motorcycle magazine writer specialising in everything from the maintenance of modern classic machinery to how not to fall off it. Riding for over 28 years in the UK and Europe on a variety of machinery, he writes for UK riders.
The Swinton View on Riding the A370 in North Somerset
Because you’re more vulnerable on the road riding a motorbike, it’s hugely important you take every precaution to stay safe.
Wear the right safety gear, know your route, plan for the weather, and give yourself plenty of time to finish your ride without rushing. It’s also vital that you’re fully insured and that your motorbike insurance policy covers everything you need it to. Enjoy the ride!
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Correct at the time of publication. Information in this article has been gathered from various sources, therefore Swinton Insurance cannot be held responsible for any view or opinion expressed herein.