There's a significantly higher rate of accidents involving motorcyclists and cyclists compared to car crashes. According to QUT, the Australian rate of motorcyclist fatalities is approximately 30 times higher than the rate for car occupants, while the rate for a serious injury is approximately 41 times higher. The Centre for Road Safety has said that cyclist deaths have increased in the past decade by 31.3 per cent. Motorcyclists and cyclists are both vulnerable road users and need to be aware of the risks that can arise on the road and to prioritise their safety at all times.
Safety tips for motorcycles and scooters
Always make sure you're scanning the road as you're riding and be prepared to stop if anything unexpected happens.
Try not to travel in other drivers' blindspots, instead position yourself where you can be seen on the road.
Keep a three-second gap between you and the vehicle in front, just in case you need to stop quickly.
Make sure you do a head check and indicate when you're merging or changing lanes.
Ensure you're sticking to the speed limit and adjust your speed to suit the conditions (like staying aware in wet weather).
Safety tips for cyclists
When riding, always wear a helmet that's securely fitted and fastened. According to the Centre for Road Safety, around 15 per cent of bike riders who were killed or injured on NSW roads were not wearing a helmet.
It's also recommended to wear bright, reflective clothing so other drivers can see you on the road.
Cyclists must obey traffic signals and street signs the same way that drivers do and to be aware of any traffic hazards that may arise. This could include any holes in the road, gaps, debris, or uneven surfaces.
Ensure you're giving hand signals when turning left or right or changing lanes.
If you can, it's wise to plan your journey by using bicycle paths, shared paths or going down quieter streets. This way you're not endangering yourself by riding on the main roads.
Keep away from drivers' blindspots in order to increase your visibility.
Sonder's Track My Journey feature has a 'cycle' mode on it, which will allow us to monitor your progress to your destination. If we detect you stop along the way, we'll check on you to make sure you're okay.
Information sourced from: QUT, Centre for Road Safety, Mylicense
Image credit: Jakub Sisulak on Unsplash
All content is created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional.