Twenty-one. Motorcycle riders are 21 times more likely to be killed or injured on our roads than other road users, travelling the same distance. To help combat this statistic, September is Motorcycle Awareness Month and the Eastern Bay Road Safety Programme team has organised an action-packed event on Saturday, 9 September.
September is an important time of the year for the motorbike community. More than half of motorcyclists de-register and put their bikes away during the winter months but when the weather starts warming up, bikes are back in force on the road.
Eastern Bay Road Safety Programme spokesperson, Richard Hamer, says Motorcycle Awareness Month is designed for all road users, not just riders.
“Motorbike riders and other people on the road are all responsible for reducing motorcycle fatalities and injuries,” Mr Hamer says. “Riders need to make sure their gear and bikes are in good condition before hitting the roads. And drivers should keep an eye out for motorcyclists, particularly at intersections.”
Mr Hamer has organised the ‘Revved Up’ event from 10am to 12noon on Saturday, 9 September behind Underwood and Wilkins Motorcycles on McAlister Street, Whakatāne. Entry is free and riders can enjoy a free sausage sizzle and coffee while brushing up on their motorcycle skills and knowledge.
“It’s a great opportunity to refresh your memory about how best to keep safe on the roads,” Mr Hamer explains. “There are also fantastic prizes up for grabs from our three local motorcycle businesses, Underwood and Wilkins, Tony Rees Motorcycles and Whakatāne Motorcycles.”
There will also be live demonstrations and a skills race led by PassMasters, a certified rider training provider. All those attending will have the opportunity to sign up for a free ‘Ride Forever’ programme, an initiative supported by ACC.
“It’s about making sure everyone gets home safely at the end of a ride,” Mr Hamer says. “Every injury or fatality is one too many, and we all need to do our part to stay safe on the roads.”
Visit whakatane.com for more information about the Revved Up event.