Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole and members of the NSW Police Force are urging every motorist, including motorcycle riders, to take extra care on our roads.
New data has shown motorcycle road incidents have hit a 10-year high and young male motorcycle riders are dying at almost twice the rate of other groups.
Motorcycles make up just 3.8 per cent of registered vehicles in NSW but have accounted for 19.4 per cent of deaths so far this year.
The NSW Government has reported over the past 10 years there were 142 riders aged between 20 and 29 who died in motorcycle crashes – 63 more fatalities than the next age bracket of those aged 30-39. The skew is heavily towards young males. Of the 142 rider fatalities aged 20-29 years-old, 138 were males and four were females.
Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said safety is the number one priority.
“The rate of road incidents involving a motorcycle are highly concerning,” Mr Toole said.
“This is a stark reminder to our young men that no-one is invincible and there is never enough protection between a rider and the road when it comes to a crash.
“Speeding remains the biggest killer on our roads no matter the mode of transport and many of these traumatic incidents could have been avoided.
“Road safety is everybody’s responsibility, but it is also important to look twice for motorcyclists as they are hard to see.
“A third of the deaths in the 20-29 years age bracket were riders on a Learner or Provisional licence. That’s why programs like Stay Upright are so important to instil foundational skills in new riders.”
Stay Upright is a registered training organisation accredited to provide training and testing services in NSW, Victoria, ACT and Queensland.
They are Australia’s most trusted motorcycle training school providing motorcycle learner courses designed to give riders the skills and knowledge they need to operate a motorcycle safely.
Bathurst Stay Upright Instructor Geoffrey Garment explained the process of obtaining a motorcycle license involves completing two skill-based courses.
“Each individual must competently complete skills-based training before gaining a learner or provisional license. Motorcyclists can continue to upskill with a range of classes including off road riding and riding in heavily populated areas,” Mr Garment said.
“The courses are based around learning the basics of handling a motorcycle and keeping safe on the roads. As riders we must protect our own safety by riding with caution and working with the assumption that cars don’t see us.”
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