Survey of motorcyclists and their safety initiatives

Almost 800 motorcyclists across NSW were surveyed in a project was funded by the MAA. The objectives were to obtain information on crash experience and other issues associated with risk perception and management by motorcyclists, and to develop a profile for designing and delivering motorcycle safety information. Responses suggested that the most effective channels of communication within the motorcycling community are through the club network, motorcycle magazines and the internet. It was apparent that a substantial proportion of respondents were actively involved in ensuring their own safety through post license training, accessing safety information and use of protective clothing. Two thirds had been involved in at least one motorcycle crash during their riding career. Of those who had crashed: 65% reported injury to themselves or to a pillion passenger; 55% had been in crashes with another vehicle and 47% had been in single vehicle crash. There were differences in crash experience according to age and type of motorcycle currently ridden. When asked what they could have done to have avoided the crash, almost one third of all respondents said that there was nothing they could have done. However respondents who had undertaken some form of rider training were less likely to have believed there was nothing they could have done than were those who had no formal training. Over two thirds (69%) of respondents to the survey had undertaken some form of training in the last 4 years and 33% had completed some form of advanced rider training. The results of the survey have stimulated discussion about safety issues and attitudes to riding amongst rider groups. The survey report provides a useful resource of information to guide researchers and road safety authorities in the most effective means by which they can communicate with motorcyclists.