Latest News
Winner of the Ultimate AirAsia 2012 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix V.I.P experience Announced - October 2012
Congratulations to Sean Mulligan of Belgrave, winner of the Ultimate AirAsia 2012 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix V.I.P experience. Sean will be kicking back at this years event with grandstand tickets, a lap of the circuit, pit lane walk, a helicopter ride and more.
Win $3,000 worth of protective clothing - October 2012
Visit the Spokes stand, number 19 within the bikesales.com.au GP expo at the 2012 AirAsia Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix for the chance to win $3,000 worth of protective clothing. Say hello to the Spokes team, you will have the chance to try on a range of protective clothing via the virtual changing room on the stand. Please refer to these terms and conditions (doc 35K)
Everyone loves a great view and a free lunch! - October 2012
Don your full protective gear at this year's 2012 AirAsia Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix for your chance to secure a seat in the Spokes Protective Clothing Lounge located in the Turn 1 area of the Phillip Island Circuit. On Saturday and Sunday morning of the event, the TAC's Spokes team, dressed in white leathers, will be roaming the motorcycle parks on the look-out for riders arriving in full protective gear, including full face helmet, gloves, boots, pants and jacket. Thanks to the TAC, riders who are spotted in full protective gear (plus a companion) could have their tickets upgraded, giving them the chance to kick back in the Lounge for the day and enjoy a free BBQ lunch.
Latest TAC Motorcycle Research - October 2012
The TAC commissioned research earlier this year to conduct an assessment of riders' attitudes and behaviours to specific safety issues and recall of motorcycle campaigns. Over 800 Victorian motorcyclists were surveyed in two separate studies. Full reports of both research projects are available to download. TAC Motorcycle Tracker - Wave 4 (pdf 1.4mb) Motorcycle Monitor 2012 (pdf 2.2mb)
Spokes AirAsia Motorcyle Grand Prix Promotion - July 2012
You could win the ultimate VIP experience at the 2012 AirAsia Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. To Enter, answer a simple question.
Riders figure high in road trauma data - 20 April 2012
Despite accounting for only 3.8% of all registered vehicles, injuries to motorcyclists account for 20% of the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) no-fault costs, latest TAC statistics show.
Riders make up the second highest proportion of TAC no-fault costs compared to other road users, with drivers making up about 40% and pedestrians accounting for about 15%.
The statistics are released following the death of a rider in Horsham this week, taking this year’s tally of riders killed to 17, one more than the five-year average and equal to the same time last year.
In 2010/11 the TAC accepted 947 acute hospitalised claims from motorcyclists up from the five-year average of 942. Acute hospitalisation refers to hospitalisation within seven days of a collision.
Riders account for 17% of all acute hospitalised claims in 2010/11 and represented 17% of fatalities in 2011.
The TAC Chief Executive Officer Janet Dore said the findings were concerning.
“Our claims data shows that motorcyclists are more likely to have a longer hospital stay as a result of injuries caused by a transport accident compared to other road groups,” Ms Dore said.
“Because of the more serious nature of the injuries, the overall no-fault cost to the TAC is in the order of 4 to 6 times higher (per registered motorcycles >125cc) than for passenger vehicles.
The data release comes after Victoria Police detected 118 disqualified and unregistered riders during the Easter long weekend.
The police operation also detected 240 rider speeding offences and 29 riders not wearing a helmet.
“With so many injured riders needing support from the TAC, it is frustrating to see others deliberately putting themselves at risk by speeding or not wearing a helmet,” Ms Dore said.
“We hope these statistics remind riders how important it is to take safety into their own hands and stay safe on the road.”
TAC research into rider attitudes has revealed that 15% of motorcycle riders admit they speed all or most of the time.
“The research also showed that 24% of motorcyclists will speed if they’re sure they won’t get caught, with 10% having been caught speeding in the last two years.”
The TAC is working to reduce rider deaths and injuries with a new campaign to be launched in coming weeks.
EU Mandates ABS for Motorcycles in 2016 - January 2012
In December 2011, support for the mandatory EU-wide introduction of the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) for all new type-approved motorbikes over 50cc from 2016 rather than 2017, was welcomed by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) - a consumer body representing 104 Touring and Motoring Clubs as well as 36 million members from its Brussels office.
In Australia, ABS is available on a range of motorcycles, either as standard or as an optional feature. A list of some motorcycles that have ABS is available here
New French road safety measures for motorcyclists and tougher penalties - January 2012
The French government recently announced a decree that covers the requirement for motorcyclists riding a motor-bike with an engine capacity exceeding 125 c.c. to wear a reflective garment.
The French Department of Transport has still to define the criteria for reflective garments and the measure compelling motor-cyclists on French roads to wear something hi-viz will not come into effect before 1st January 2013. In the case of non-compliance, the offender would be liable to a fine of 68 euros with a 2 point licence deduction.
There is also an alteration to the law concerning non-conforming number plates which applies to all road-users but especially bikers. The penalty for driving with a non-conforming plate increases from 68 euro to 135 euro. The Ministry of Transport will also introduce a new regulation concerning the size of registration plates carried by motor-bikes with the aim of making motor bikes more identifiable, especially if flashed by a speed camera.
MCC of NSW - Rider Risk videos - January 2012
The Motorcycle Council of NSW (MCC of NSW) recently released their "Rider Risk" video series, a ten part series of riding skills videos aimed at improving rider skills and is now available on the MCC of NSW website. ( www.mccofnsw.org.au ) Each video subject is based on the statistical risk of a type of crash. A motorcycle rider needs certain skills and techniques to manage particular risks and avoid becoming a statistic. The video series covers steering, selection of protective clothing, cornering, first aid, braking, handling traffic and many other finer points. Watch the videos now at http://www.mccofnsw.org.au/a/332.html
Helmet Crash Test - December 2011
For independent advice on the best helmet protection available, view the latest research here ( http://www.crash.org.au ) or download the guide to buying and choosing motorcycle helmets.
Film your tip and WIN MotoGp tickets - September 2011
Film your best rider safety tip and you and a friend could win a VIP experience at the 2011 IVECO Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix on Phillip Island from October 14-16. The prize includes:
-Three day grandstand tickets
-A helicopter ride above the Philip Island Circuit
-A guest lap of the circuit in a BMW Course car, and
-A HART training course
Judges will select eight finalists whose videos will be loaded onto Spokes for the public to cast their vote on the ultimate winner of the grand prize.
Two runners up will also receive a three day grandstand pass to the MotoGP event and a pair of Alpine Stars riding boots.
So start thinking, get creative and help improve rider safety on our roads.
For full entry details head to http://ridersafety.spokes.com.au
Best of luck and safe riding
Latest TAC Motorcycle Research - October 2010
The TAC commissioned research earlier this year to conduct an assessment of rider's attitudes and behaviours to specific road safety issues and the recall of motorcycle campaigns. 50 interviews per week were conducted with riders over a 35 week period resulting in 1,755 interviews conducted in total.
A summary of the report is available along with the full report which provides an assessment of motorcyclists attitudes to various themes.
Graduated Licensing System for Motorcyclists
VicRoads is reviewing the current system for licensing motorcyclists. The high crash risk of inexperienced riders has highlighted the need to update licensing for motorcyclists to reflect the road safety needs of today's riders.
A public discussion paper has been prepared which contains a number of questions relating to options that the Victorian Government may consider to improve the safety of newly licensed motorcyclists.
The public consultation phase has now closed, however you can still visit the VicRoads website for further information and for important updates.
Win a VIP Moto GP Experience
Want to share your riding experience? Know some great safety tips? Feel you've got the knowledge that can help other riders stay safe?
Submit your rider safety tips and you will have the chance to win a VIP experience for two at the 2011 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix on Phillip Island from October 15-17. Judges will announce one grand prize winner who will receive the VIP Moto GP Experience for two people. The remaining nine winners will receive a double pass to the 2011 Moto GP and a new pair of protective riding gloves.
Overview of Motorcycle Crash Fatalities Involving Road Safety Barriers
An updated presentation on impacts into roadside barriers by Associate Prof Raphael Grzebieta (University of NSW) and his team. A review of studies and analysis of data from crashes across Australia found that the number of fatalities from road side barrier crashes is generally low and that guardrail impacts were still the most dangerous to motorcyclists. View the updated presentation here (PDF 1.3mb).
Ride For The Hills - 14th February 2010
On 5th March 2009 approximately 3,000 motorcyclists raised $42,000 in what has been described as the largest charity motorcycle event in the state, raising money for the Victorian Bush Fire Appeal after the horrific Black Saturday fires of February 7th.This year on 14th February 2010, Ride For The Hills will continue to show its support for the ongoing recovery effort by staging the event for its 2nd year. They are aiming to attract 4,000 motorcyclists and raise $60,000 with all proceeds from the ride donated to the SES and CFA stations that lost equipment in the 2009 fires.
The Red Knights Motorcycle Club made up of past and present fire fighters will lead the ride with an escort of 20 Victorian Police special solos.
Spokes is supporting the event and will be making a gold coin contribution for every participating rider who wears full protective clothing for the event. We will also be donating $1,000 of quality protective clothing as prizes for participating riders.
There's a whole stack of prizes on offer, kindly donated by fellow motorcycle industry organisations and for your chance to be in the winning, register for the ride now www.rideforthehills.org.au
Here's a sample of some of the prizes:
Pre-Registration Prizes
- 1st Prize $1,000 voucher to Bikemart, Ringwood (donated by X Staff Electrical )
- 2nd Prize $500 voucher to Bikemart, Ringwood (donated by Greenwood Plumbing Services)
- 3rd Prize $250 voucher to Bikemart, Ringwood (donated by Greenwood Plumbing Services)
On the Day Prizes:
- 1st prize - Vietnam Tour for 2, valued at over $2,000, from Motorbikes Asia
- 2nd prize - Honda Australia voucher, valued at $500
- 3rd prize - 1 set of fitted Michelin Pilot Road 2 tyres, valued at $520, from Bike Mart
Full event details are also available at www.rideforthehills.org.au
Rider Group's Alternative Advertising Campaign
Recently, a group of riders developed their own version of our latest television road safety campaign targeting motorcyclists. We understand that people have differing views on the approach the TAC takes to delivering its road safety message. Like many of our campaigns the latest motorcycle campaign has certainly created plenty of debate - and we are very grateful to see so many people taking up the issue of improved safety for motorcycle riders via websites, blogs and other media outlets. View the version of the ad. It's encouraging to see fellow members of the motorcycling community actively supporting the safety messages the TAC is promoting to riders: to reduce your risks by riding at a safe and legal speed and to wear protective clothing at all times.
Australia's love of motorcycles continues to grow
Figures recently released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) indicate that Australia's love of motorcycles continues to grow, with a 57.5% increase in motorcycle and scooter registrations in the past five years. For more information and a copy of the media release, please click here.
Rider Safety Tip Competition Winners
Congratulations to the grand prize winner Andrew Dennis who got to experience the 2009 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in VIP style with over $2000 worth of prizes, all for entering his simple safety tip.
Watch Riding in the Wind (Video)
By Andrew Denis (2009 rider safety tip competition grand prize winner)
While you're checking out Andrew's tip, don't forget to check out the tips from our 10 finalists: Jackie Matthews, Ian Nicklen, Trevor Dickson, David McMillan, Griff Young, Liam Carter, Clarence Vigo, Dietmar Hildebrand, Jason Bult and James Erdmann.
$3,000 Protective Clothing prize winner
Thank you to everyone who visited the Spokes stand in the GP Expo over the three days. The lucky winner of the $3,000 Protective Clothing prize was Jodie Wagner of Mildura - congratulations and safe riding Jodie
New campaign urges riders to reduce the risks October 2009.
The new campaign reminds riders about the types of risks they are exposed to every time they ride and that no matter who is at fault, riders are more likely to come off second best in the case of a crash.
View the campaign video here
Find out what's happening in Victoria for motorcyclists.
Vicroads together with Department of Sustainability and Enviroment, Transport Accident Commission and Victoria Police are providing a chance for motorcycle riders to attend three briefings and exchange ideas. Download the PDF Forum Flyer here (.pdf 1MB)
The Australian 2009 Motorcycle Grand Prix returns to Phillip Island.
The biggest event on the Australian motorcycling calendar, the Moto GP is nearly upon us. From October 16-18th, Phillip Island plays host to the world's best riders such as Rossi, Stoner, Pedrosa and Lorenzo, from one of the most exciting tracks on the international GP circuit.
Sydney Morning Herald, 5 April 2009
Veteran NSW MP for Castle Hill and long time rider, Michael Richardson, crashed his motorcycle. Here is what he has to say about why you should always wear the right gear. Top read.
Read the full article about Michael Richardson here
Western Australian Office of Road Safety Forum, April 2009
This month, the Western Australian Office of Road Safety held a forum to look at issues of interest to the motorcycling community. Feedback from the forum was very positive with participants finding many of the presentations interesting and informative. The Team at TAC has sought permission to host two of the presentations that we felt Spokes readers would be interested in.
Report: The Effectiveness of the VIC Accident Black Spot Programs in Reducing Motorcycle Crashes
The first reports on a study undertaken by Dr Bruce Corben and his colleagues at the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) investigating whether black spot programs undertaken to reduce all crash types, are effective in reducing the number of motorcycle crashes. This study looked at two black spot programs funded by the TAC, an $85m program run between 1992 and 1996 and a $240m program conducted between 2000 and 2004. The study found that black spot treatments were effective both at intersections and along routes in reducing motorcycle crashes. For more information, open the presentation below.
Download the VIC Blackspot Program PDF here (2.3mb)
Report: Motorcycle Crashes Into Roadside and Median Road Safety Barriers
The second presentation looks at the effect of motorcycle impacts into different types of road side/protective barriers. Assoc Prof Raphael Grzebieta from the University of NSW reviewed a number of studies and analysed data from crashes across Australia, to find that the number of fatalities resulting from road side barrier crashes is generally low and that among the crashes analysed, guardrail impacts were the most dangerous to motorcyclists. For more information about impacts into roadside barriers open the presentation below.
Download the effect of motorcycle impacts into safety barriers PDF here (2.5mb)
Protective Clothing video from Belgium, 2009
View a graphic video from Belgium which likens the impact of not wearing protective clothing to filing your arm on asphalt. Credits - Agency: Famous; Creative team: Tim Driesen & Joeri Van Den Broeck. (Caution: content is graphic and may be considered offensive.)
View the Belgium protective clothing video
Safer road design can reduce motorcycle accidents
An article from the Motorcycle Industry in Europe's December 2008 Newsletter on how motorcycle deaths can be halved via safer road infrastructure.
Download the safer road design can reduce motorcycle accidents PDF here (2mb)
Latest Technologies - Motorcycle Airbag Systems
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has succeeded in developing the world's first production motorcycle airbag system. The system, which can help lessen the severity of injuries caused by frontal collisions, is available on some Honda models, specifically the Gold Wing.
Read the full article about motorcycle airbag systems here
Walking away from a crash, 8 Sep 2008
Every bike should have one, but only one does and it may just save your life one day.
Read the full article about walking away from a crash here
