NSW Government has launched a new motorcycle education campaign ‘Ride to Live’ to help motorcyclists and other motorists better identify and manage the issues, which put riders at risk.
Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay believe the campaign was is critical to help reduce the number of tragic motorcycle crashes on our roads, which sadly was increasing.
“Our motorcycle community is growing at a rapid rate but unfortunately motorcycle fatalities are also on the rise,” he said.
Over the past ten years, the overall number of fatalities on NSW roads have been significantly reduced by more than 35 per cent but motorcyclist fatalities have increased by 22 per cent. “That’s why the NSW Government is committed to doing all we can to improve rider safety. We have done a lot in this space over the last few months. In July, we introduced lane filtering, which we know can be safe if done properly.”
“We’ve also made the most of new technology and have been installing satellite phones along Putty Road, which is prone to serious crashes so help can be called in an emergency” he said adding that the multi-faceted state wide campaign, which is supported by the Motor Accidents Authority of NSW, is the next important step in the right direction.
“I am pleased to kick off the campaign at Customs House today, which starts with three full days of interactive motorcycle focused activities for the community, including an on-site mechanic who will be free to lend a hand. The campaign would soon expand into new ads on TV, radio, online and the backs of buses which would help motorcyclists to be aware of the risks they face and provides tips on how to manage them.
The campaign also calls on other road users to look out for motorcyclists, they are our less-protected road users and drivers always need to check twice for them.
T
he ‘Ride to Live’ website is a useful information hub for motorcyclists and has everything from riding safety tips to hazard tests, you can get advice on selecting the right helmet and protective gear and on things like braking distances. The online portal also offers interactive maps of some of the state’s most popular riding routes with live traffic updates, an explanation of where recent crashes have occurred and where rest stops, petrol, food and accommodation can be found.”
Manager NSW Motorcycle Alliance Dave Cooke said a lot of work had gone into making sure the campaign was useful, relevant and sent the right message to riders. “This campaign gets to the heart of what keeps us safe as motorcyclists – and that’s making good decisions,” Mr Cooke said.
“Good riders constantly assess risk – we are not risk takers – we are risk managers. Great motorcyclists make great decisions and that’s the message of the campaign.”
Secretary of the Motorcycle Council of NSW Brian Wood also welcomed the campaign, saying it provided riders with useful information on how to be safer on our roads. “Motorcycling is continuing to grow across the state. To reduce the number of tragic motorcycle crashes, we need to further improve riders’ risk management skills,” Mr Wood said.
“This campaign is all about giving riders better information on what the risks are and practical strategies on how to deal with them.”
