VicRoads is conducting a trial of on-road coaching for motorcyclists and needs recently licensed motorcyclists to participate.
The trial involves taking a four hour on-road coached ride with two other recently licensed riders and an experienced motorcycling coach who will give riders feedback on their riding style. Riders will be required to discuss their riding in three telephone interviews.
To participate you must:
- hold a Victorian probationary or restricted motorcycle licence
- have ridden at least 500 km on-road over a minimum of 12 rides (since obtaining your learner permit)
- be in the first year since you gained your motorcycle licence (i.e. on a LAMS restriction)
- ride your own motorcycle (minimum 125 cc, no scooters).
A coaching program has been developed for Victorian riders to assist in improving rider safety.
The trial and its evaluation will enable VicRoads to determine how effective the program is at improving the road safety of riders.
Approximately 2,400 motorcyclists will be involved in the trial.
Each rider will receive a four hour, on-road coaching session involving a variety of metropolitan and country riding and discuss their experiences in three telephone interviews over a 12 month period.
One half of the riders will be given on-road coaching from experienced motorcycling coaches within one to four weeks of enrolling.
Riders in the other half will participate in three telephone interviews and will be given the coaching program in approximately 12 months time.
Riders will be randomly allocated to either group. This means a rider can’t nominate to join one group or the other.
Riders in both groups are equally important to the study. It is only by comparing the progress of the two groups that we will be able to determine whether any differences are due to the program or just general riding experience.
Participation in the trial will help enhance VicRoads knowledge of what works to improve motorcycle safety. This is your opportunity to participate in an initiative that will benefit all riders.
Completing the on-road program will be at no cost.
The trial is being conducted at five locations in Victoria: Somerton, Kilsyth, Warragul, Bendigo, and Cranbourne.
On the day of your ride, the coach will ask you to demonstrate that you are appropriately experienced and eligible to participate in the ride. If you are unable to demonstrate basic riding skills you will not be permitted to continue.
You are expected to wear appropriate protective gear for the ride. This includes an AS/NZS1698 helmet (preferably with eye protection), a motorcycle jacket and gloves, boots that protect ankles, and heavy jeans (leather, textile or kevlar jeans preferred).
The project is being managed by VicRoads. The trial was supported by the former Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Council and is being funded by the Motorcycle Safety Levy.
The trial is being conducted, on behalf of VicRoads, by the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC). MUARC is an internationally respected research organisation with extensive experience in road safety.
MUARC is working with Learning Systems Analysis and Honda Australia Rider Training (HART) to deliver the trial.
The George Institute for International Health is independently evaluating the trial. The George Institute is based in the University of Sydney and has extensive experienced in evaluating programs like this trial.
To see if you qualify for the trial, go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QC3BWVL (external website)