Tawera Nikau helps launch motorcycle safety campaign

High-profile motorcycle enthusiasts have suggested car drivers put themselves in the biker's seat to gain a better understanding of two-wheeler road users.

Former league player Tawera Nikau, who lost part of a leg following a motorbike accident, and businessman Dick Hubbard, a recreational rider, are supporting a new Accident Compensation Corporation campaign to look out for motorbikes.

Mr Nikau said he was clipped by a car before crashing off the road in Huntly last July.

He was approached to take part in the campaign - "I was the latest high-profile accident dude" - and was keen to get involved and spread the message.

Many drivers "don't register" motorbikes when they're driving, he says.

He does not hold the motorist responsible for his accident, but liked a suggestion by Mr Hubbard that maybe all car drivers should try riding a bike as part of the licensing process.

According to ACC, most crashes involving motorbikes and four-wheel vehicles happen at intersections, and 65 per cent of the time the motorists were at fault because they "did not see" the bike.

The campaign was launched with statistics showing motorcycles make up 1.4 per cent of all motor vehicles but injuries suffered by motorcyclists make up 18 per cent of ACC's motor vehicle injury claims.

ACC's general manager of injury prevention, Darrin Goulding, said the injuries also tended to be more serious because of the high-risk exposure that comes with riding a motorbike.

The Ulysses Motorcycle Club, a social club for riders over 40, is working with ACC to promote the safety campaign, which was launched in Auckland yesterday but will go nationwide.

Mr Goulding said a second phase would promote protective gear that should be worn by bikers.

He said the general public was at present most aware of motorbikes ridden by police and gang members.

On two wheels

* Motorcycles make up 1.4 per cent of the New Zealand motor vehicle fleet.

* Injuries to motorcyclists make up 18 per cent of the cost of motor vehicle injury claims to ACC.

* Most crashes involving motorbikes and four-wheel vehicles happen at intersections.

* In 65 per cent of those the motorist was at fault and "did not see" the motorbike.