• Motorcyclists and pillion passengers account for approx 13 per cent of the road toll, but only three per cent of vehicles.
    Motorcyclists and pillion passengers account for approx 13 per cent of the road toll, but only three per cent of vehicles.
Home Action Plans Safer road users Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists

New initiatives, including awareness campaigns, road improvements and training will significantly improve safety for Victorian motorcyclists.

Motorcyclists face a significantly higher risk of being involved in a fatal crash – or being seriously injured – than drivers. Motorcyclists are approximately 30 times more likely to sustain fatal or serious injury per kilometre travelled than other vehicle occupants. Motorcyclists and pillion passengers account for around 14 per cent of the road toll in Victoria, yet motorcycles make up only three per cent of all registered vehicles. The First Action Plan delivers a range of new safety initiatives that are focused on reducing the incidence and severity of motorcycle crashes.

 

Area of action Actions
Public education
  • Undertake awareness raising campaigns to:
    • increase safe road user practices by drivers and riders
    • highlight to all road users the extreme vulnerability of motorcycle riders.
  • Support motorcycle trainers and retailers in encouraging the use of protective clothing.
Enforcement
  • Improve strategic enforcement that is location and season specific, with a focus on high risk motorcycle routes.
  • Better enforcement through regulatory or legislative change to require clear identification of motorcycles.
Infrastructure
  • Trial barrier protection devices to improve motorcycle safety, and revised design and maintenance procedures.
  • Treat motorcycle blackspot locations, blacklengths and popular touring routes.
  • Undertake a risk based assessment of the road network from a motorcyclist's perspective.

Technology

  • Promote consumer take up of anti-lock braking systems, integrated braking systems and other safety features.

Licensing

  • Improve motorcyclist and scooter rider training and strengthen the licensing process, through measures including development of a motorcycle hazard perception training tool.
  • Continue the promotion and distribution of the RideSmart CD ROM training product to novice riders in order to accelerate riding and higher order skills.
  • Introduce new regulations for learner and probationary motorcyclists in Victoria through the introduction of a new Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS).

Research and data

  • Investigate simulation and computer modelling to better understand motorcycle crash risk and injury.
  • Undertake an enhanced motorcycle crash investigation study to increase understanding of the factors that contribute to the incidence and severity of motorcycle crashes.
  • Investigate enhancing the emergency response to motorcyclists involved in crashes.
  • Investigate improvements to the protective qualities of helmets.
  • Conduct a motorcycle exposure study to increase understanding of crash risks facing motorcyclists.
  • Investigate means by which returning and non-regular motorcyclists are required to maintain rider skills at an appropriate level.
Back to top