Motorcycles

ACRS Policy Position

ACRS supports measures that take full consideration of the needs of motorcyclists as a distinct road user group.

Objective

To improve the safety of motorcyclists to that which is comparable to world's best standard.

Discussion

The ATSB's Monograph 4, Motorcycle Safety, indicates that compared to other OECD countries Australia has the sixth worst record. European countries where motorcycles are a more accepted means of transport have a safety record far superior to that of Australia.

In the past 20 years the needs of other vulnerable road users (pedestrian and pedal cyclists) have been recognised and are gradually being incorporated into road and transport systems. There have been significant improvements in road safety for these groups over this period.

Motorcycle usage is on the increase with a shift in the demographics to greater recreational usage by older riders. The average age of motorcyclists is now in the late 30's. There has also been an increase in the number of female riders.

The causal factors involved in motorcycle injuries and fatalities need to be thoroughly investigated so effective countermeasures can be developed and implemented.