Elsie Lange
Macedon Ranges police are urging motorcyclists to be extra cautious on wet, slippery and potholed roads this spring, amid the inaugural Motorcyclist Awareness Month.
The call reinforces the state government’s push for drivers and motorcyclists to look out for each other and share the roads safely.
Macedon Ranges Highway Patrol Acting Sergeant Dwayne Sharam said riders headed up to the ranges for recreational riding in local forests were of “particular note” to them.
“Given the increased risks they face on uneven tracks, and other areas within the forest where they can come unstuck,” he said.
“From our perspective, we’re seeking an understanding from those riders of the risks and to be aware that police are monitoring their attendance to ensure compliance with speed limits, appropriate safety equipment, licensing, registration and safe condition of the motorcycles they are using.”
Spearheaded by Victoria’s Motorcycling Community Engagement Panel, Motorcyclist Awareness Month aims to remind motorists that everyone has a role to play in keeping the roads safe.
According to the government, Motorbike rider travel increases during the warmer and daylight savings months, bringing more recreational riders on the roads.
Acting Sergeant Sharam said while there hadn’t been as many fatalities involving motorcyclists recently, police were noticing an “upward trend” in serious injury collisions.
“We just ask that riders and other road users be very vigilant and take the appropriate care when they are out using both the roads, the tracks and travelling off road,” he said.
It’s been a rainy start to the season, and Acting Sergeant Sharam said that “doesn’t necessarily bode well for motorcycling”.
“It does tend to result in collisions and we just ask that riders take a little more caution at those times where weather is inclement, particularly given the amount of water on the road and resulting road conditions,” he said.
“We have a lot of potholes emerging as a result of heavy downpours, and that poses a risk to motorcyclists.”
