Police prioritise motorcycle safety amid alarming rise in rider deaths

By Monique Preston

Jun 28, 2024

Police are focusing on motorbike safety after a spike in rider deaths throughout Victoria this year. Photo by egon69

Police are prioritising motorcycle safety following a concerning spike in rider deaths.

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There have been 35 motorcyclist fatalities in Victoria to June 28 this year, 75 per cent higher than the same time last year when 20 deaths were recorded.

The figure is 56 per cent higher than the five-year average of 22.6 deaths.

While cooler weather typically sees a decline in motorcycle activity, there were eight on-road rider fatalities recorded in May alone, compared with none in May last year.

It was the deadliest May for motorcyclists in 10 years.

There were a further five motorcyclist fatalities to June 28 this year, compared with three at the same time last June.

While rider deaths on regional roads have risen significantly this year (16 versus five), the majority of motorcyclist fatalities continue to occur on metropolitan roads (19 versus 15).

Forty per cent (14) of deceased riders were aged 18 to 35 years and more than 90 per cent were male.

Police have identified key factors contributing to the trauma, including failing to give way by both riders and drivers, and inappropriate speed.

With reduced visibility and wet, slippery roads at this time of year, police are particularly concerned about these factors leading to further injury and deaths.

The State Highway Patrol Solo Unit will continue to conduct on-road and off-road motorcycle operations across the state, focusing on both rider education and enforcement.

Police are urging motorcyclists to consider the weather conditions before riding and ensure they wear appropriate protective riding gear.

Other motorists are also being warned to look out for motorcyclists on the roads, particularly when changing lanes.

Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said it was extremely concerning that road trauma involving motorcyclists had risen so significantly this year.

“We typically see motorcycle riding decrease over the cooler months, but there have been no signs of this slowing down,” he said.

“We’ve identified failing to give way, from both riders and drivers, and inappropriate speed as major contributing factors to this year’s motorcyclist fatalities.

“We need all road users to play their part to help keep each other safe, particularly at this time of year with poor visibility and wet, slippery roads.”