Spring is the perfect time to be thinking about motorcycle safety and ACC is challenging riders across the Bay of Plenty region to be ready to get back on their bike.

ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker says more than 50 per cent of motorcyclists de-register and put their bikes away over the winter months but that changes in spring.

“As we come into September, it’s a great time of year and we want motorbike riders to celebrate their love of riding,” says James.  

“As you get back on the bike, make sure you’re ready to get the most out of the riding season.”

Car drivers should keep an eye out for motorcyclists. Photo: ACC.

Every year from September, ACC sees a spike in motorcycle crashes, injuries claims, and fatalities.

Motorcycle Awareness Month - MAM - is run every September. It is promoted by ACC, the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council (MSAC), NZ Police, local councils, and the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. 

In 2023, ACC accepted 334 motorbike-related injury claims in the Bay of Plenty region, which came at a cost of $10.7 million to help people recover.

In 2024, up to July 23, ACC has accepted 227 motorbike-related injuries in the Bay of Plenty region. 

Over the past five years (2019-2023), ACC accepted 1,725 motorbike-related injuries in the Bay of Plenty region. These injuries came at a cost of $47.7 million to help people recover.

MAM was launched in 2018 when some of the riders at Ride Forever were looking at the crash statistics from the previous year.

They outlined that many riders hurt themselves when they ride their bike for the first time, after a long winter break.

In 2023, across New Zealand ACC accepted 4,487 motorbike related injuries at a cost of $133 million to help recover. This was the highest number of injuries and the highest cost in the past five years.

ACC data shows 21 New Zealanders died in a motorbike accident in 2023 and so far in 2024 - up until July 23 - there have been 12 fatalities.

Motorcycle Awareness Month - MAM - is run every September. Photo: ACC.

James says both motorbike riders and car drivers are responsible for reducing motorcycle fatalities and injuries.

“We are still not getting the message,” he says.

Riders need to make sure their gear and bikes are in good condition before hitting the roads, while car drivers should keep an eye out for motorcyclists, particularly at intersections.

From 2016 to 2020 there were 2,758 crashes involving a motorcycle or moped at urban intersections, Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) data shows. Of those, 538 involved serious injury and there were 38 fatalities.

Car drivers are at fault in 90 percent of crashes between cars and motorbikes at urban intersections, Ministry of Transport figures show.

“We’ve all got to be more aware of the dangers at intersections,” says James.

“Look again for motorcyclists, not just the gap. Be aware of your blind spots.”

Riders who have completed a Ride Forever course are up to 50 per cent less likely to lodge a motorcycle-related accident claim than non-trained riders.

To date, around 16,000 riders have completed at least one Rider Forever course.

Taking at least one Ride Forever course reduced the incidence of having a crash by 27 per cent and the associated claims cost by 45 per cent.

In other words, Ride Forever-trained riders crash less often, and the crashes they do have are on average less severe.

Motorcycle Awareness Month - September

ACC recommends motorbike riders do three things:

1. Check your bikes are well-maintained
2. Ensure your gear is up to scratch
3. Refresh your skills by completing an ACC Ride Forever coaching programme

For more visit: www.rideforever.co.nz