Motorcyclist road toll jumps 53 per cent on five-year average in Victoria

The Transport Accident Commission has issued an urgent warning as the number of motorcyclists killed on Victorian roads skyrockets.

The Transport Accident Commission has issued an urgent warning as the number of motorcyclists killed on Victorian roads skyrockets.

The death toll has risen by 21 per cent for 2022 — 23 deaths compared to 19 this time last year.

It’s also up 53 per cent, eight deaths, on the five-year average of 15.

Head of road safety Samantha Cockfield said the number of motorcyclists dying on Victorian roads “devastates” communities.

“While motorbikes represent just four per cent of registered vehicles, riders make up for 16 per cent of deaths and 20 per cent of serious injuries on Victorian roads,” she said.

“The TAC’s new campaign provides a stark reminder of the serious trauma motorcycle riders can avoid by wearing all the safety gear they own on every ride.”

The confronting campaign highlights the shocking injuries that motorcycle riders could avoid by wearing their safety gear.

It takes 0.3 seconds for a sneaker to burst, .6 seconds for jeans to disintegrate, and flesh is shredded by course bitumen with ease without the proper riding gear.

On average over the past five years, 2500 motorcycle claims were made, equating to around $115 million annually in compensation and medical bills.

“It is up to all of us to make our roads safe and, whether we’re on two wheels or four, we all need to share the responsibility and be the reason that everyone gets home safely,” Ms Cockfield said.

It comes after a motorbike rider died after crashing into a pole in Strathfieldsaye on Somerset Park Road near Sinclair Road about 12.50pm on Friday.

Tyler McGlashan, 18, also died on March 9 after his motorbike collided with a car towing a trailer on Bendigo-Maryborough Rd, near Bendigo.

The “full of life” young man had been riding since he was three but sadly died on the scene after emergency crews, bystanders and police performed CPR on him for about an hour.

Acting assistant commissioner for road policing David Clayton said motorcyclists were “extremely vulnerable” and should be aware of the danger.

"Motorcyclists are an extremely vulnerable road user group and each rider needs to do everything they can to make themselves as safe as possible,” he said.

“This includes riding to the conditions, using a bike that suits their experience and skill set and always wearing the right protective gear. It’s also vital drivers are aware of motorcyclists and their vulnerability.”