"A risky overtaking manoeuvre could mean instead of getting there faster, you don't get there at all", say police. Photo / File
New Zealand is facing the deadliest toll for motorcyclists in two decades ahead of the busy festive season on our roads.
Fifty-five motorcyclists have died through to December 21 this year, compared to 56 in 2019 - the highest number since 1997 when 57 died.
It comes as taxpayers footed a $103.8 million bill from 4306 ACC motorcycle injury claims last year.
Caroline Perry, director of road safety charity Brake, says an increase in motorcyclist deaths over the past few years is concerning.
"So far this year the families of 55 motorcyclists have received the devastating news that their loved one will never be coming home again," she said.
"Whilst there have been some improvements in safety around motorcycles, there is still more work to do to bring deaths and injuries down."
Ministry of Transport data shows the number of motorcyclists who died between January 1 and December 21 is eerily close to matching last year's record number.
Fifty-four motorcycle riders and one passenger have died this year, compared to 53 riders and three passengers in 2019 - the most since 1997 when 57 total died.
This year between January 1 and the end of November, ACC has accepted 3354 motorcycle injury claims compared to 4013 for the same period last year.
While there has been a drop in claims, the sales of motorcycles are estimated to reach 9000 in 2020 - the highest in the past decade.
Motor Industry Association sales for newly registered motorcycles and mopeds for 2020, excluding December, is 8114.
The highest sales in the past decade were in 2018 with 8565 but if current average sales continue, sales in 2020 will be well above the previous high.
As of June 30, there were 160,742 registered motorcycles and 31,505 registered mopeds in New Zealand.
More motorcycles on the road could increase the likelihood of having a crash but speed, the road, and other road users are also factors, Perry said.
A police spokesperson says motorcyclists are "very vulnerable road users" given the lower levels of protection they have in a crash compared to an occupant of a car.
"A risky overtaking manoeuvre could mean instead of getting there faster, you don't get there at all," they said.
"All road users should respect each other and be aware they each have responsibilities to uphold on the road."
Motorcycles can be harder to spot than other vehicles, especially when weather conditions are poor or in reduced light, Perry said.
She asked road users to be mindful of motorcyclists and to always look twice, especially at intersections.
In the past four years, ACC data shows there have been 2758 crashes involving a motorcycle or moped at urban intersections, resulting in 38 deaths.
"Motorcycles are inherently more risky than a lot of other vehicles," Perry said.
"They can travel at similar speeds to cars and other vehicles but have fewer safety features and offer less protection in the event of a crash.
"We urge all drivers to look twice for bikes, particularly at intersections. Also, make sure you check for bikes in your mirrors and blind spots before manoeuvring."
Wearing hi-vis could help prevent crashes, the police spokesperson says, who also advised motorcyclists to wear appropriate bodywear, "the road is unforgiving in a crash".
Both police and Perry thought motorcyclists should learn from programmes like ACC's Ride Forever which offer great training and skills to riders of all levels.
More than 23,000 riders have completed the course, with ACC data showing those who do are 27 per cent less likely to make crash-related injury claims.
In 2019 there were …
• 56 people motorcycling killed;
• 470 people were seriously injured;
• 972 people suffered minor injuries.
In 2018 there were …
• 53 people motorcycling killed;
• 473 people were seriously injured;
• 924 people suffered minor injuries.
In 2017 there were …
• 46 people motorcycling killed;
• 511 people were seriously injured;
• 820 people suffered minor injuries.
In 2016 there were …
• 52 people motorcycling killed;
• 478 people were seriously injured;
• 753 people suffered minor injuries.
In 2015 there were …
• 53 people motorcycling killed;
• 424 people were seriously injured;
• 809 people suffered minor injuries.
Crashes and casualties data provided by the Ministry of Transport.
• Total bike sales: 8114 up to November 30, 2020;
• Total bike sales: 8350 in 2019;
• Total bike sales: 8565 in 2018;
• Total bike sales: 8501 in 2017;
• Total bike sales: 8312 in 2016;
• Total bike sales: 8563 in 2015.
Sales for newly registered motorcycles and mopeds in 2020 provided by Motor Industry Association.
Police and Hato Hone St John responded to at least two crashes in Auckland last night.