New data from a survey of about 1000 motorcyclists has prompted a safety reminder from the state government, following concerning attitudes toward speeding and protective gear.
The annual 2021 Motorcycle Safety Monitor Report by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) indicated an increase in respondents (41 per cent) admitting to exceeding the speed limit in a 60km/h zone, while 45 per cent confessed to exceeding the limit in a 100km/h speed zone.
The report also stated that just 55 per cent of respondents were wearing proper motorcycle riding pants every ride, and boot wearing on every ride has declined from 76 per cent in 2020 to s 68 per cent in 2021.
“It is encouraging that most Victorian riders wear their safety gear most of the time. But it’s those short trips, warm weather rides, and work commutes where we want to see more riders protecting themselves,” roads and road safety minister Ben Carroll said.
“The unexpected can happen at any time and that’s why it’s so important to wear the protective gear you have, on every ride – if you’ve got the gear, wear it.
The state government and TAC have launched ‘The Gear Box’, which tells the story of five motorcycle riders who have experienced road trauma but were saved by their protective gear in an effort to encourage motorcyclists, such as those in Wyndham, to wear their safety gear.
At the centre of the campaign is a five-part video series that will appear across digital media.
