KEY POINTS:
Accident compensation payments to motorbike, scooter and moped riders are skyrocketing as fuel prices drive people on to two wheels.
ACC recorded a 138 per cent increase in new accident claims - at a cost of more than $7 million - between the year ending June 30, 2003 and the year ending June 30, 2007.
During that time, the number of ongoing claims leaped from 2840 to 3337, with the cost rising by more than $5m.
ACC injury prevention manager Anna Long said two-wheeled transport helped the environment and eased cash concerns, but the number of riders being hurt was a concern.
Accidents involving motorbikes and mopeds are much more likely than car crashes to end in injury because four-wheel vehicles have built-in safety features such as airbags.
Most crashes are in urban areas and occur because other drivers fail to see two-wheeled vehicles.
Long said she was also worried when she saw riders wearing inappropriate clothing. "I've seen girls wearing nice skirts and pumps on a scooter and I do worry."
ACC and Land Transport New Zealand both warn riders to drive defensively, especially in dark winter months. Proper riding clothes, including gloves, a high-visibility vest and white helmet, can help.
Long said rider training courses could also help identify hazards and improve driving.
In the year to May 31, the number of mopeds on the road increased by almost 18 per cent and the number of motorbikes by almost 11 per cent, outstripping a 7.4 per cent growth in the number of cars.
ACC and LTNZ both expect the trend to continue as the cost of fuel keeps rising, although the number of cars on the road still dwarfs the number of motorbikes and mopeds by 120 to one.
On May 31, Auckland had 4198 registered mopeds and 14,166 registered motorcycles, compared with 3307 mopeds and 12,604 motorcycles a year earlier.
During the same period in Wellington, the number of mopeds increased from 1965 to 2444, and the number of motorbikes from 6097 to 6744.
In the Bay of Plenty, the number of mopeds rose from 1173 to 1335, and motorbikes from 3643 to 4006.
Motorcycle and moped injuries made up 30 per cent of all claims to ACC in May.
* For more information on bike safety, visit: www.rideforever.co.nz
