Centre for Road Safety executive director Bernard Carlon said Transport for NSW is sponsoring Motorcycle Awareness Month in October as part of a partnership with the Motorcycle Council of NSW.

The month includes numerous events aimed at educating drivers and riders to drive and ride safely and be aware of their surroundings.

“Motorcycle Awareness Month aims to reduce the number of motorcycle crashes and improve safety for riders and other road users,” Mr Carlon said.

“Last year 18 per cent of all road fatalities and 13 per cent of all road injuries were sustained by motorcyclists, a concerning statistic when you consider motorcycles only account for four per cent of motor vehicle registrations.”

“Motorcyclists are often harder to spot because they are smaller than other vehicles and can blend easily into the background - a reason motorists should always check twice for riders. Motorcycles can also accelerate faster than other vehicles, which can make it difficult for drivers to judge the approaching speed of a bike.”

“Of course, road safety is everyone’s responsibility and motorcyclists also need to ensure their behaviour is safe – from choosing the right helmet and protective gear, to scanning for hazards and sticking to the speed limit.”

“Our goal is for all motorcyclists to Ride to Live,” Mr Carlon said.

Steve Pearce, treasurer of the Motorcycle Council of NSW said the month of awareness will kick off this Sunday with a ride from Berowra to Cessnock involving hundreds of riders.

“We’ll be running events with the support of Transport for NSW throughout the coming month, including the Pink Ribbon Ride on October 15 and Breakfast Torque on October 29,” Mr Pearce said.

For more details  can be found at: www.mccofnsw.org.au

For tips and information about the risks motorcyclists face on the road and how they can best manage them, see the Ride to Live website:www.ridetolive.com.au