Motorcycle research reveals seasonal crash increase

12 Oct 2015

New Transport Accident Commission research has revealed on-road motorcycle crashes are most likely to happen in the warmer months.

The TAC has surveyed 964 people who have been injured in a motorcycle crash, to better understand the factors contributing to the crash, crash circumstances and the key differences between on-road and off-road motorcyclists.

The results have been released as thousands of riders across the state and Australia prepare to ride to Phillip Island for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix this weekend.

The study showed motorcyclists rode more often in warmer months – 59 per cent riding three to four times a week, compared to 45 per cent in cooler months.

In line with this, nearly a third of crashes (28 per cent) happened in summer. Another third (32 per cent) occurred in the autumn months.

TAC Senior Manager Road Safety Samantha Cockfield said the research provided a timely reminder about the potential for a crash, as riders start to get on the bike more.

"With warmer weather already here, the findings highlight the need for greater caution by riders and drivers, as more motorcyclists take advantage of the favourable riding conditions," Ms Cockfield said.

"Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable and are over-represented in injury statistics. We don't want this summer or the coming holiday season to be marred by trauma."

The results also showed while three in four riders involved in a crash hadn't taken a break from riding, those who did take a break were most likely to return to riding in November and January.

The survey found two demographic groups that were over-represented in on-road crashes.  

Younger riders aged 18 to 25 received 18 per cent of injuries while making up just 6 per cent of the licensed motorcycling community.

Melbourne riders received 72 per cent of injuries although representing only 62 per cent of the licensed riders.

The riders surveyed said their most common reason for riding at the time of the crash was recreational (43 per cent), followed by riding to or from work (31 per cent).

More than half of crashes, 56 per cent, took place on a sealed road in a built-up area while one in four, or 26 per cent, occurred on a sealed road in a rural area.

View the full research report

The Great Ocean Road is one of many popular rides for motorcyclists in the warmer months

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