With the number of motorbikes on the roads expected to increase as the weather warms up, Victorian drivers and motorcyclists are being urged to look out for each other and share the roads safely.
Marking the inaugural Motorcyclist Awareness Month, spearheaded by Victoria’s Motorcycling Community Engagement Panel (MCEP), Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said the initiative had been developed in collaboration with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Department of Transport and Victoria Police.
“Whether we are on two wheels or four, whether it’s our daily commute or a road trip, we all need to look out for each other every time we use the road,” Mr Carroll said.
The month aims to remind motorists that road safety is a shared responsibility and that everyone has a role to play in keeping the roads safe.
Traditionally, motorbike rider travel increases during the warmer and daylight savings months, with more recreational riders on the roads. The increase in rider numbers and distances travelled brings a greater risk of crashes involving motorbikes.
It is critical that drivers are always on the lookout for people on motorbikes, while riders can improve their safety ensuring they are visible through safe road positioning and wearing the appropriate protective gear on every ride.
TAC Head of Road Safety Samantha Cockfield said motorcyclists are more vulnerable in a crash due to lacking the same protection as other motor vehicles.
“More riders should not inevitably result in more crashes and if we all look out for one another and be patient, we’ll go a long way toward reducing road trauma,” Ms Cockfield said.
Over half of the 42 motorcyclist fatalities on Victorian roads this year have occurred in collisions with other vehicles, reinforcing the importance of sharing the roads.
Throughout October, Victorians will see and hear about Motorcyclist Awareness Month through radio, outdoor signage, and events at a number of local markets and at the Australian Moto GP at Phillip Island.
Motorcycling Community Engagement Panel Member Brian Rix said now’s the time to start the conversation.
“Motorcyclist Awareness Month is an opportunity for all of us in the riding community to have a conversation with other road users about how we can share the road and do a better job of keeping everyone safe,” Mr Rix said.
Already this year, the TAC has launched two separate campaigns promoting motorcyclist safety and the importance of riders wearing protective clothing each time they get on their bike.
The Labor Government continues to invest in programs, campaigns and infrastructure aimed at improving motorcycle safety in the short and long term, including the Moto-CAP motorcycle protective clothing star rating system.
Visit the Motorcyclist Awareness Month Facebook page for more information.
