The main initiatives to improve safety for motorcyclists are:
The action plan identifies four priorities for action:
- increasing knowledge and understanding of powered two wheeled vehicle riding and crashes
- recognising the role of powered two wheelers in the transport network and improving the road system for powered two wheelers
- improving rider and driver awareness, skills and knowledge; and
- encouraging greater use of safer motorcycles and scooters and protective clothing by riders.
Inexperienced riders have a very high risk of crashing until they develop the skills that will enable them to recognise and avoid hazards. High quality educational materials and training resources are important for the safety of riders.
Hazard perception and responding is a critical skill for riders. These skills are very difficult to develop except through many hours of experience. If training methods that accelerate the development of these skills could be devised, many crashes would be avoided. VicRoads is researching training methods for hazard perception and responding including the use of simulation.
VicRoads is not just focussing on riders. It is known that around 50% of motorcyclist casualty crashes involve another vehicle, and in those crashes, the driver is often at fault. In some cases the driver saw the motorcyclist but may not have recognised the rider as a hazard and failed to give way. VicRoads has been investigating conflicts between drivers and riders especially at intersections and conducting research into new ways to teach drivers to be aware of motorcyclists.VicRoads has been developing ways to effectively target and disseminate safety information to motorcycle riders. This involves identifying the different demographics and interest groups among motorcyclists, the methods of reaching motorcyclists, and the critical messages for different motorcyclists.
Improving communications with motorcyclists will also involve updating critical motorcycle information to make sure it is appealing to riders and includes the most recent knowledge and evidence on risk factors.
Intelligent Transport Systems are technologies that provide supporting information to improve the efficiency of the road environment. They can be based in vehicles or on the road. An example might be sensors in the road that detect changes in road conditions and sends a message to a sign providing advanced warning to road users.
VicRoads is reviewing new developments in ITS worldwide and their application to motorcycle safety. It is expected that the identification and implementation of effective technologies will result in significant long term reductions in the crash types that the systems are designed for.
VicRoads has been investigating ways to improve road design for motorcyclists and implement road treatments at motorcycle blackspots. The Motorcycle Blackspot Program is thought to be the first of its kind in the world. VicRoads identifies areas where there have been high rates of motorcycle crashes and engages a motorcycle expert to review the locations in conjunction with engineers. Road treatments are then developed to specifically address the factors that have contributed to motorcycle crashes.
Recognising that motorcyclists have particular needs for road design and maintenance, Austroads has produced Austroads Guide to Traffic Engineering Practice - Part 15 - Motorcycle Safety.
This guide provides information on the safety needs of motorcyclists for use by traffic engineering practitioners when designing, constructing and maintaining roads. It offers a useful basis for informed discussion between traffic professionals and motorcycle users on a number of aspects of road design.
To order a copy the guide, see Austroads (external website)
The increase in the popularity of motorcycle riding over recent years has led to more riders being involved in serious crashes. The levy program was developed to improve the safety of both new and existing riders in Victoria.