International research indicates that, per hour of travel, motorcycle riders are 20 times more likely to be killed in a crash than vehicle occupants. With motorcycling more popular than ever, saving riders lives and preventing injuries is a critical road safety challenge.
If you are a motorcycle rider you are more exposed and vulnerable in the road environment and are at risk of more serious injury if involved in a crash.
With strong support from the Motorcycle Council of NSW, Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) has developed a range of measures aimed at improving motorcycle safety:
- State-wide advertising campaigns target rider knowledge and behaviour, as well as the awareness of other drivers of the presence of motorcycle riders.
- Signage on popular scenic routes in NSW where motorcycle crashes occur more frequently including the Royal National Park, Putty Road and the famous Wollombi Loop north of Sydney.
- The NSW Centre for Road Safety Consumer Ratings and Assessment of Safety Helmets (CRASH) involves the testing and assessing of motorcycle helmets for safety and comfort.
- A Graduated Licensing Scheme for motorcycle riders was introduced in June 2009.
- Special conditions apply for learner and provisional motorcycle riders such as:
- Licence suspension for one speeding offence for learner P1 riders.
- Licence suspension for two speeding offences for P2 riders.
- A ban on the use of mobile phones.