Motorcycle Awareness Month: ‘All of a sudden, motorbikes are everywhere’
Motorcycle Awareness Month is run by ACC and the Motorcycle Safety Awareness Council (MSAC). It celebrates the start of the motorbike-riding season and encourages riders to get ride ready.
September is an important time of the year for the motorcycling community.
The start of spring marks the launch of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. It’s an ACC and Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council (MSAC) initiative held during September to raise awareness of the importance of staying safe on our roads.
“More than 50 per cent of motorcyclists de-register and put their bikes away over the winter months,” says Dave Keilty, ACC Injury Prevention Partner.
“But now you’re going to see those bikes start to come back out in the warmer weather.
“All of a sudden, from a car driver’s perspective bikes are everywhere, they seem to be coming from all directions, at speed and it can be quite daunting.”
Dave says it’s important to ease into your riding after the break.
“This month is a time to refresh your skills, or knock your sharp edges off, anything that might have gone a bit rusty over the break. And it’s just nice to get out on the bike again.”
A sobering set of statistics
In 2022, we accepted 4,185 motorcycle-related injury claims – the highest number in the past three years.
The leading regions for those injuries were Auckland (1,045), Waikato (617), Canterbury (471) and Bay of Plenty (345).
Men (3,406) made up more than four times the number of motorbike injury claims compared to women (779).
Motorcyclists make up just four per cent of the total motor-vehicles on the road but in 2022 they accounted for 20 per cent of the cost of road crashes. In that time, we managed 7,000 active claims for motorcyclists with a total cost of $119 million.
One reason for this is the lack of protection motorcyclists have compared to other vehicles, making riders 21 times more likely to be killed or severely injured in a crash.
All road users need to be wary
Dave says motorbike riders and car drivers are both responsible for reducing motorcycle fatalities and injuries.
Riders need to make sure their gear and bikes are in good condition before hitting the roads, while car drivers should keep an eye out for motorcyclists, particularly at intersections.
From 2016 to 2020 there were 2,758 crashes involving a motorcycle or moped at urban intersections, Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) data shows. Of those, 538 involved serious injury and there were 38 fatalities.
Car drivers are at fault in 90 per cent of crashes between cars and motorbikes at urban intersections, Ministry of Transport figures show.
“We’ve got to be more aware of the dangers at intersections – all of us,” Dave says.
“Look again for motorcyclists, not just the gap. Be aware of your blind spots.”
Learn how to Ride Forever
To improve safety for riders, ACC runs the Ride Forever coaching programme.
Riders who have completed a Ride Forever course are up to 50 per cent less likely to lodge a motorcycle-related accident claim than non-trained riders.
“We have people who have been riding for over 40 years who then get on a course and say how much of an eye-opener it is,” Dave says.
“So find your nearest course on our website and sign up – it might just save your life.”
Staying safe on the road
- Check your bikes are well-maintained
- Ensure your gear is up to scratch
- Refresh your skills by completing an ACC Ride Forever coaching programme
Learn more on the Ride Forever website.
During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in September, you can register for a course for free using the MAM23 code when you book.
Check out if you’re eligible for Cashback and get $100 off your rego for two years.
