The annual Victorian campaign, led by Spokes and the Transport Accident Commission, focuses on the everyday habits that keep people safe: making yourself visible, checking blind spots, dressing for the ride and leaving a little extra room.
RoadSafe Goulburn Valley’s Callum Phillips said for an area like the Goulburn Valley, those habits mattered even more.
“In a region like ours, with a lot of highway freight traffic and plenty of riders out enjoying the country roads, checking your blind spot or giving a rider a bit more space really can save a life,” he said.
Motorcyclists are a small percentage of Victoria’s traffic, making up about three per cent of registered vehicles.
Yet, they represent 17 per cent of road deaths and nearly a quarter of serious road injuries.
Some 67 motorcyclists died on Victorian roads in the past 12 months, and on average more than 2500 people are injured in motorcycle crashes each year.
However, most of these tragedies don’t happen in isolation.
About 60 per cent of rider deaths involve another vehicle, most frequently at intersections or when drivers fail to check blind spots.
Locals can join in by heading to a community ride, passing the message on to family and friends or simply driving with more patience.
GV Social Riders member Joelene Doller, otherwise known as Possum Green, said the month was an excuse for riders to enjoy each other’s company and keep the focus on looking out for one another.
“GV Social Riders are right behind Motorcyclist Awareness Month,” she said.
“It’s such a great opportunity to bring riders together, have a laugh and remind everyone to look out for each other on the road.”
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