Quick Guide

Simple Facts

• Most accidents occur in fine weather and road conditions.
• A high proportion of accidents involve two vehicles and are caused by the actions of the other driver.
• In single-vehicle accidents, rider error was the precipitating factor in about two-thirds of cases+.
• 30% of all collisions occur at t-intersections***.

This tells us:

• Drivers don't always pay full-attention to motorcyclists on the road.
• Inexperience and lack of skills can lead to accidents for riders.

No matter who may actually cause a road accident, it’s always your actions that will affect the final outcome of a crash. It’s in your hands.

Be a Smart Rider

Your safety is YOUR responsibility - The best riders develop the skills to see and avoid potential harm before it happens.

Alot of the time other motorists simply won't see you on the road. A good attitude to have as a rider is to ride like you are invisible on the road. As much as it should be others', it’s your duty to be proactive and to maximise your visibility and safety when riding.

Always be on the look-out for trouble

High-risk situations:

• Traffic: Are you in someone's blind spot? What are the drivers’ behaviour like?
• Intersections: Is it a high risk intersection? Can you see them? Can they see you?
• Corners: Can you see through to the end of the corner? What is the road surface like?
• Your riding: What is your riding like? Are you increasing the likelihood of an accident?

Some things you can do:

• In traffic, always scan your environment and be prepared for the unexpected.
• Create space around you on the road and maintain that space! It gives you more time to react, better visibility for other motorists, and a better view of the road surface. (The Road Users' Handbook suggests a 3 second gap).
• At intersections, scan the traffic and watch their actions. Never assume that everyone sees you and is aware of you. Be prepared.
• Compensate for bad road and weather conditions.
• Increase your chances of being seen on the road: What is your position on the road? How are your moving about in your lane?

Wear the Right Gear

How many riders do you see wearing no safety gear, just a shirt or shorts on the road?

Ever wondered what would happen to them if they came off their bike?

Wearing the right riding gear serves more than one purpose:

• It greatly reduces injury in an accident
• Protects you from the elements
• Other motorists are more likely to see you

The right gear includes wearing: The correct helmet, eyewear, gloves, footwear, jacket and pants.

Some things you can do:

• Always wear an Australian Standards helmet and make sure it fits properly. Make sure you are wearing the right type of gloves.
• Even though you don’t legally need to wear safe pants and jacket, wear them!
• Even when you are going on short rides make sure you wear all your gear!

KickStart's Safe Riding Guide: Maintain your Bike

• Before riding, always perform the right checks on your bike.
• Check out KickStart's Maintenance section and your manufacturer’s guidelines.

Develop Your Riding Skills

Riding Skills are one of the most important elements in ensuring your survival and safety on the road. These will develop gradually.

But there are things you can do to increase your skills in this time, like:

• Build your experience!
• Training at Stay Upright
• Read up on riding safety
• Practice in safe environments

Your skills in braking, cornering, perception, posture and riding in traffic won't just fully develop over night. And this is a big reason why there are restrictions for new riders. It’s important that your bike doesn’t affect your confidence when you’re learning. That is, powerful bikes and uncomfortable postures can distract you and slow your learning.
Remember to be patient and go at your own pace.