As the weather warms up across Victoria, motorists are being urged to share the road as the number of motorcycle riders coming out to enjoy the good weather is expected to increase.
Leading the call, Victoria’s Motorcycling Community Engagement Panel (MCEP) has partnered with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), the Department of Transport and Victoria Police to launch the inaugural Motorcyclist Awareness Month.
Throwing his support behind the Month, the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll said it aimed to remind motorists that road safety was a shared responsibility and that everyone had 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,” Mr Carroll said.
“The increase in rider numbers and distances travelled brings a greater risk of crashes involving motorbikes,” he said.
“It is critical that drivers are always on the lookout for people on motorbikes, while riders can improve their safety [by] ensuring they are visible through safe road positioning and wearing the appropriate protective gear on every ride.”
Mr Carroll said more than half the 42 motorcyclist fatalities on Victorian roads this year occurred in collisions with other vehicles, “reinforcing the importance of sharing the roads”.
He said that throughout October, Victorians would see and hear about Motorcyclist Awareness Month through radio, outdoor signage, and events at local markets and the Australian Moto GP at Phillip Island.
