‘Extremely concerning’: Victoria Police alarmed by shocking spike in motorcycle deaths

As winter approaches, the number of motorcycle deaths in Victoria ought to be decreasing. Police are worried that the opposite is true.

EXCLUSIVE

The number of motorcycle deaths in Victoria so far this year have reached a decade-long high with riders accounting for a quarter of all fatalities on the state’s roads.

The shocking spike has been linked to a high rate of recreational riders out for a weekend spin who are over-represented in the data, police say.

Eight of the 32 motorcycle lives lost in 2025 have occurred in May – traditionally a month with fewer deaths.

The rise in weekend rider deaths has alarmed police.

Three riders died last Sunday alone, in three separate incidents in Werribee, Colac West and Stockdale in the state’s east.

The alarming data has prompted police to issue a warning to riders and motorists as favourable weather is again predicted this weekend.

Road Policing Command Superintendent Fiona Bock described the rise of motorcyclist road trauma was “extremely concerning’’.

“Typically we start to see a decline in recreational riding as we head into the winter period, but with the warmer weather we’ve experienced, this has shown no signs of slowing down,’’ Supt Bock said.

“Eight rider deaths during May means this has been one of the worst periods of road trauma for motorcyclists this year.

Victorian rider statistics are at a decade high.

“Every road user needs to prioritise safety – whether you’re on a motorcycle or behind the wheel of the car, we can all contribute to making our roads safer and reducing the risk of trauma.’’

The state’s road toll reached 130 on Wednesday after the horror triple fatality crash on the Western Highway between Stawell and Ararat.

The state total is now 17 lives more than this time last year.

Police analysis of recent motorcycle crashes found that most occurred on weekends,

and involved recreational riders who were out enjoying the warm, dry weather.

Key factors included high speed, rider inexperience and unauthorised riding – unlicensed or suspended riders.

Police said that driver inattention and failing to give way to bikes were identified as major factors in collisions between motorcycles and cars.

Victoria Police will launch another statewide operation next week for the King’s Birthday long weekend – and motorcycle safety will again be a major focus.