Motorcyclists account for just 5% of registered vehicles in the ACT, yet they represented approximately 44% of all road fatalities over the past 2 years and nearly one third of people admitted to hospital following crashes. Whether you're a rider or driver, we all have a responsibility to help keep each other safe on our roads.
Motorcyclists are among our most vulnerable road users. Unlike drivers, riders have very little physical protection in a crash, increasing their risk of serious injuries.
Riders – ride like everything's out to get you!
Every ride comes with risks, so it's important to stay alert, anticipate the unexpected and be prepared to react.
From changing road and weather conditions to riding on different roads and intersections, remaining vigilant can help you avoid a crash.
Tips for motorcyclists
No matter how experienced you are, riding defensively is one of the best ways to stay safe.
- Always assume other cars haven’t seen you. Motorcycles can be harder to see than other vehicles. Increase your visibility by riding with your headlights on, maintaining a safe distance and avoiding staying in blind spots.
- Ride to the conditions. Riding conditions change quickly on every road. Adjust your speed to suit the road surface, weather and traffic conditions. Always ride within the posted speed limit and to the conditions.
- Be careful around corners. You never know what's waiting around a corner. Brake early, take corners at a safe speed, start wide and aim to finish tight. Smooth cornering techniques can help you maintain control and stay safe.
- Approaching an intersection with caution. Intersections can be busy. Ease off, be ready to brake if needed and be prepared for other road users to make unexpected movements. Leave enough space between you and the vehicle ahead to allow for safe braking.
- Overtaking safely. Don’t trust the gap. Before overtaking, make sure you have a clear view of the road ahead, sufficient space to complete the manoeuvre and enough time to return safely to your lane.
- Don’t ride tired. Think about how tired you are before you ride, recognise the early warning signs when riding and know what to do to avoid riding tired.Fatigue related crashes are almost three times as likely to be fatal than crashes not involving fatigue.
Crashes can happen on any trip, whether it's a short journey across town or a long-distance ride. Staying alert and focused every time you ride can help reduce your risk.
There are also simple steps you can take before every ride to help keep yourself safe on the road.
- Wearing protective gear makes you less likely to be injured in a crash. To assist riders with choosing high quality protective clothing, a star rating system for motorcycle apparel has been introduced in Australia and New Zealand. The Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program (MotoCAP) is an independent resource that provides star ratings for the protective capacity and breathability of motorcycle clothing and covers jackets, pants and gloves.
- Choose a motorcycle with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) to prevent skidding and allow maximum braking efficiency on a range of surfaces.
- Routine maintenance checks can help determine if your bike is roadworthy. Having your bike serviced regularly and properly means you can head out on the road with more confidence.
Tips for drivers
Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and can be harder to spot in traffic. Drivers can help improve rider safety by staying alert and taking a few extra steps to support their safety.
- Check your blind spots and look twice for motorcyclists before changing lanes, merging or entering traffic. Motorcycles can be harder to see and judge than other vehicles.
- Be patient. Follow the road rules and only overtake when it is safe and legal to do so.
- Always use your indicators before turning or changing lanes to give motorcyclists time to react.
- Give riders extra space. Motorcyclists may need to change position within their lane, slow down or take action to avoid hazards. Never follow too closely and make sure you leave enough room to respond safely.
Tips for other road users
Pedestrians, cyclists and other road users can also help improve safety by staying alert and being aware of their surroundings.
- Stay alert near roads and intersections. If you're walking or crossing the road or an intersection, stay alert and look carefully before stepping out. If your view is blocked by a larger vehicle, wait until you can clearly see and it is safe to cross.
- Avoid distractions. Put away mobile phones and keep your attention on traffic when crossing roads or moving through shared spaces.
- Use crossings and paths where available. This helps make your movements more predictable for all road users.
Road safety is everyone's responsibility. Whether you're riding, driving or sharing the road in other ways, we all have a role to play in keeping Canberra's roads safe and helping everyone get to their destination safely.