MOTORCYCLISTS are being urged to slow down on our roads this Motorcycle Awareness Month, after NSW recorded a 50 per cent increase in rider fatalities in 2021.

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said motorcyclists are some of our most vulnerable road users, with up to 60 killed and more than 1,000 seriously injured on NSW roads each year.

“We have seen a disturbing increase in the number of fatalities, with 39 motorcyclists killed between January and August this year – that’s 13 more than the same time period last year,” Mr Constance said.

“More than half died as a result of excessive speed.

“Please stick to the speed limit to keep yourself and others safe on our roads, and remember you can be caught speeding anywhere, anytime.”

Transport for NSW is supporting Motorcycle Awareness Month this October, as part of its work with the Motorcycle Council of NSW, which aims to reduce the number of motorcycle crashes and improve safety for riders and other road users.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said by far the majority of riders killed or injured were travelling on country roads.

“There’s nothing worse than the phone call to say a loved one has been in an accident and is lying on the road which is sadly something I experienced when my son was involved in a motorcycle crash in Bathurst last year,” Mr Toole said.

“We are, of course, the lucky ones because thankfully he recovered, but we need to ensure we’re doing everything possible to get riders home safely to their families at the end of the day.

“That means improving awareness among other road users, encouraging proper use of safety gear, keep a lookout for hazards and stick to the speed limit.”

Motorcycle Council of NSW General Committee Member Justin Dorward said they will be running various online activities aimed at educating drivers and riders about safety and motorcycle awareness.

“We’re encouraging all road users to get involved with these activities, to better understand their responsibility on NSW roads,” Mr Dorward said.

“We believe it’s important to provide this information to drivers and riders to remind them of the importance of being aware of their surroundings and the road safety rules.”

For safety tips and information about the risks motorcyclists face on the road, please visit the Ride to Live website: www.ridetolive.nsw.gov.au