Middle aged men over represented in motorbike crashes, according to TAC

The type of person most likely to receive serious injuries in a motorcycle crash in Geelong and the G21 region has been revealed, as new data shows the shocking frequency of incidents leaving riders in hospital for weeks.

Middle aged male motorcyclists are being warned to play it safe on the region’s roads as new data reveals the demographic is overly represented in motorbike crashes.

Transport Accident Commission data shows 364 motorcyclists were hospitalised for 14 days or more after sustaining injuries while riding in the Geelong region over the past five years.

From January 2015 to December 31 last year, 10 motorcyclists were killed in the region.

Of those injured, 320 were men, with 131 riders aged from 40 to 59. A further 38 of those injured were aged 60 and above.

The data captured crashes in Greater Geelong, Queenscliff, the Surf Coast, Corangamite and Colac-Otway.

Injury claims leapt to 90 in 2017 – the highest number of claims recorded in a single year from 2015 to 2020.

Last year, 41 claims were lodged in the 10 months to September compared to 62 in the 12 month period the year prior.

Data from September to December last year has not yet been released.

The TACs head of road safety Samantha Cockfield said authorities expected to see more riders flood popular motorcycle routes in coming weeks.

“While it’s encouraging to see a reduction in motorcyclist injuries in the region, riders remain one of the most vulnerable road user groups due to the lack of protection they have in a crash,” she said.

Ms Cockfield said motorcyclists were some of the most vulnerable road users and it was up to all motorists and riders to play their part in preventing trauma.

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“This time of year we tend to see an increase in rider numbers on popular motorcycle routes in the greater Geelong region so it’s essential that every road user – on two wheels or four – does everything possible to safely share the road,” she said.

“When the unexpected happens, riders wearing full, purpose-designed, protective gear have a better chance of avoiding serious injuries, and motorcycles with safety technologies like ABS can help you avoid a crash altogether.”

Ms Cockfield said middle-aged, recreational riders were at risk because they ride infrequently.

The TAC has a number of ongoing campaigns aimed at education motorcyclists, including

Perfect Ride campaign which addresses five key safety issues that recreational riders encounter and can contribute to a crash.

Originally published as Middle aged men over represented in motorbike crashes, according to TAC