Plea to drivers over motorcyclists' safety

Drivers have to be more aware of motorcyclists if accident rates involving bikers are to fall, a Hawke's Bay motorbike expert warns.

Matt Ericksen of Ericksen Honda said new rules around motorcycling licences were not the answer to riders' problems on the roads.

The rules, aimed at reducing the number of motorcyclists killed and maimed on New Zealand roads, will come into play next month.

Motorcyclists are 20 times more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a crash than other motorists. So far this year, there have been 21 motorcycle fatalities nationwide.

In Hawke's Bay, 14 motorcycling injuries were recorded between January and April.

Mr Ericksen said visibility for motorcyclists continued to be a major factor in accidents.

"The problem is when they come around a corner and a driver hasn't spotted them, then that's it. The new rules are better in other ways but don't really solve this."

From October 1, learner and restricted level motorcycle licences will be required to comply with a new bike performance rating system, which measures bikes against their riders using a power-to-weight ratio.

Currently, riders are limited to choosing a bike that falls within the appropriate engine capacity for their licence class, regardless of their weight or size.

Riders on their restricted licences will also be required to remain on this level for a minimum 18 months, regardless of age or extra qualifications.

Currently motorcycle riders over 25 or those who have completed an approved defensive driving course can reduce the time they need to spend at the restricted level.

Associate Transport Minister Simon Bridges announced the changes this week, which were designed to combat New Zealand's high motorcycle toll.

"In the past 10 years 370 motorcyclists have been killed and more than 10,000 have been injured on New Zealand roads, and annual motorcycle casualties have increased by 58 per cent," he said.

"These measures, in addition to those introduced last year, will help motorcyclists begin their riding careers safely."

However, a motorcycling advocate warned safety for riders would not improve unless courses up-skilling riders were introduced.

"If you don't improve their riding skills, then you're not improving their safety on the roads," said Finn Nielsen, from the Ride Right Ride Safe programme and member of the national Bike Rights Organisation.

APNZ