Road safety authorities are urging Victorian motorists to be on the lookout for motorcyclists, with warmer weather likely to see more riders on the state’s roads.
The Transport Accident Commission today joined the Department of Transport and Planning, and Victoria Police, to launch Motorcyclist Awareness Month.
Led by the Motorcycling Community Engagement Panel (MCEP), the month-long campaign is an annual initiative encouraging both motorists and motorcyclists to share the road safely.
So far this year, 35 motorcyclists have died on Victorian roads, with more than a quarter of these fatalities occurring since the beginning of Spring.
With little protection, people who ride motorcycles are among the most vulnerable of road users – accounting for 17 per cent of deaths and serious injuries, despite only making up four per cent of registered vehicles.
TAC head of road safety Samantha Cockfield said 60 per cent of motorcyclist fatalities involve other vehicles, making it crucial for drivers to do their part in ensuring the roads are shared safely.
“Everyone needs to be aware of who they’re sharing the road with – motorcyclists are encouraged to wear appropriate protective gear, and drivers should double check for riders at intersections and when changing lanes.”
“As the weather warms up and days get longer we tend to see an increase in the number of motorcyclists on our roads, however we can’t accept that more people will die as a result,” she said.
The TAC’s latest Motorcycle Monitor surveyed 949 Victorian motorcyclists and showed that a large majority of riders do prioritise safety by wearing the appropriate protective gear.
The monitor showed that since the TAC’s ‘Protect your entire body on every ride’ campaign, there has been an increase in the number of people wearing motorcycle-specific riding boots.
Head of Road Safety Victoria Marcelo Vidales said the Victorian government would continue investing in programs, campaigns and infrastructure aimed at improving motorcycle safety in the short and long term, including the MotoCAP motorcycle protective clothing star rating system.
“We’re committed to increasing the safety of all road users, particularly motorcyclists who are more vulnerable in a crash. Both riders and drivers need to look out for each other and share the road safely,” he said.
MCEP member Brian Rix said everyone on our roads has family and friends counting on them to get home safely at the end of the day.
“Underneath that helmet is a much-loved son, daughter, mother, father or grandparent.
“Please be careful and share the road, particularly around motorcycles, to help everyone get home safely,” he said.
Throughout Motorcyclist Awareness Month, Victorians will have a chance to engage with a number of events across the state including the Australian Moto GP at Phillip Island.
Visit the Motorcyclist Awareness Month Facebook page for more information.
