Motorbike recovery on the M61

Where to stop

Rivington services, between junctions 6 and 8 near Horwich, is the only service area on the M61. If the bike is losing power, aim for it, or come off at the next junction.

What we see on the M61

Commuters on 125s and bigger bikes heading between Bolton and Manchester, and weekend riders going north to the Lakes and the Ribble Valley. The southern end, where it meets the M60 and the A666, is busy and confusing; the northern end, towards the M6, is quieter and faster.

Nearby: Bolton, Chorley and Leyland, Preston and Salford.

If your bike stops on the motorway

1. Get to the left. Hard shoulder, emergency area or the next exit if the bike still moves.
2. Get behind the barrier. Leave the bike, climb over the barrier and stand well up the bank, away from the traffic.
3. Stuck in a live lane? Call 999 straight away. Keep your helmet on and get off the carriageway if you safely can.
4. Call us once you’re safe, and send a WhatsApp location pin or the number on the nearest marker post.

Never try to fix the bike on the hard shoulder. On smart motorways with no hard shoulder, use an emergency area (the orange-surfaced lay-bys) and the SOS phone there connects you to National Highways.