October is Motorcycle Awareness Month, a Victoria Police initiative to improve motorcycle safety on the roads.
In 2024 so far, 52 riders have died on Victorian roads, the highest number in 10 years. This includes two deaths in the Campaspe Police Service Area.
Fatalities are up 49 per cent from this time last year, where 35 had been recorded.
Transport Accident Commission head of road safety Samantha Cockfield said it was tragic to see such a significant increase in fatalities, which served as a reminder to be safe on the roads.
“Our thoughts go out to all the families and loved ones of people killed by road trauma; the ripple effects of these deaths are far-reaching, and we can’t become immune to the increase in lives lost on our roads,” she said.
“Motorcyclist Awareness Month is an opportunity for us to engage with the Victorian community and educate road users how we can all play a role in keeping each other safe. Every road user should feel safe, no matter how they get around.”
Campaspe Police Service Area Inspector Dave Bowler highlighted a growth in motorcycle use as the weather warmed up and days became longer, particularly with the shire being a tourist area, as more reason to be cautious.
“We are very lucky up here, as we’re a tourist destination,” he said.
“We have some lovely destinations that people like to congregate and ride to, and we have lots of bush tracks. We do see an increase in the warmer weather of motorcycle activity.
“It is an important time for motorcycle safety because we’re seeing the shift between daylight saving and as the weather improves, so does the glare and the sun, which can be harder to see the motorcycles.
“I really encourage people to look twice for the motorbikes in the area because sometimes they can be harder to see.”
Victoria Police road policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir echoed these sentiments, emphasising that the busiest time on the roads was approaching.
He directed the message to all road users to play their part in contributing to general road safety.
“We’re about to enter what has traditionally been the highest risk period for motorcyclist fatalities, and yet with still three months remaining in the year, we’re close to surpassing the total number of motorcyclist deaths for all of 2023,” he said.
“We’ll have an increased focus on rider safety through education and enforcement, but we’re asking all road users to consider how they can contribute to making our roads safer.”
Echuca’s WBR Motorcycles & Mowers co-owner Nathan Whitten stressed the importance of motorcyclists being organised and well-prepared to help keep themselves safe.
He said riders should always wear protective gear, even opting for some colour to improve visibility. In Victoria, it is also mandated for learners to wear a hi-vis vest or jacket.
“Use your common sense and be sensible,” he said.
“When you go somewhere new, you don’t have that familiarity, and it’s more important to plan and be aware.
“The other big one is being seen and wearing bright colours ... even getting a helmet with a bit more colour.”
Mr Whitten also reminded drivers and other road users to pay attention on the roads and not be complacent.
“Drivers should be motorcycle aware, not being lazy, and continuing to do head checks,” he said.
“Motorcycles sit in somebody’s blind spots for longer.”
For Inspector Bowler, the message was simple: “Look out and look twice.”