The perfect ride inspires recreational riders to reduce their risks

08 Oct 2013

The perfect summer weekend motorcycle ride is at the forefront of the latest Transport Accident Commission (TAC) campaign which aims to help keep motorcyclists safe on Victorian roads.

Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips today launched the new campaign, showcasing a perfect ride on one of Australia's most popular routes, the Great Ocean Road.

"With so many great motorcycle routes in Victoria and on the cusp of the summer riding season, this new TAC campaign reminds us what a perfect weekend ride should be," Mr Rich-Phillips said.

"Educating recreational and weekend motorcyclists about the risks associated with riding in country Victoria and on long routes, is a key action in the Victorian Government's 10 year road safety strategy.

"This campaign highlights to motorcyclists the types of risks they face every time they head out for a recreational ride and reminds them that it's important to do everything they can to reduce their personal risk," Mr Rich-Phillips said.

More than 80 per cent of motorcyclists say they ride for recreation on the weekends, particularly in the summer months. TAC claims data shows that the peak time for motorcycle crashes requiring hospitalisation is on weekend days between noon and 4pm.

Despite accounting for only 4 per cent of registered vehicles and 1 per cent of kilometres travelled in Victoria, motorcyclists represented 15 per cent of fatalities in 2012.

Riders account for 20 per cent of all TAC's trauma related costs, largely because of the more severe nature, on average, of motorcycle injuries.

The TAC has consulted with key motorcycling groups in the development and production of the campaign and the online tutorials.

To view the new advertisements visit www.youtube.com/tac and to view the supporting material  visit www.spokes.com.au  Find out more about the Victorian Government's 10 year Road Safety Strategy at www.roadsafety.vic.gov.au.

Below: Pictured at today's launch of the Perfect Ride is Rick Williams who features in the videos and TAC acting CEO/Head of Community Relations Joe Calafiore.