Victoria Police alarmed over spike in motorbike deaths on Victoria’s roads

Victoria Police has launched a new operation aimed at stemming road trauma amid an alarming spike in motorcycle crash deaths over winter.

An unexpected and alarming spike in the number of motorcyclist deaths during the colder months has prompted Victoria Police to launch a new operation in a bid to reduce rider road trauma.

A total of 35 motorcyclists have died on the state’s roads this year – up by 75 per cent for the same period last year.

Police say that failing to give way – from both riders and drivers – and speeding were major factors, coupled with reduced visibility and wet roads.

A total of 35 Victorian riders have lost their lives this year.

Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir described the trend as “extremely concerning’’.

“We typically see motorcycle riding decrease over the cooler months, but there have been no signs of this slowing down.

“In fact, May and June both have both experienced large increases in rider deaths.’’

Eight riders died in May – the deadliest May in 10 years — compared with none for the same month last year. And so far this month, five riders have lost their lives, three more than for June last year.

The latest rider to lose her life was a 20-year-old Clyde North woman who died in hospital after a collision on the Monash Freeway on June 19.

Police will ramp up its enforcement, starting with Operation Kickstand in the Kingston, Glen Eira and Bayside areas, which were identified as having the most significant increase in road trauma.

About one in four deaths was considered unauthorised or non-riders — either disqualified, suspended or unlicensed.

Police are stepping up operations in some areas.

Victorian Motorcycle Council spokesman John Eacott said the alarming increase highlighted the need for more accident analysis to help prevent rider deaths.

“One of the main recommendations of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Motorcycle Safety some 12 years ago was the creation of a department to manage road safety statistics. But it’s still unactioned,’’ Mr Eacott said.

“A major reason for a rising accident rate is simply more bikes being used.’’

The number of rider deaths on regional roads has jumped this year – from five to 16 – but most motorcyclist fatalities still occur in metropolitan Melbourne.

Police Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir will launch Operation Kickstand.

Mr Weir said the State Highway Patrol Solo Unit would continue to conduct on-road and off-road operations, with a focus on rider education and enforcement.

“We need all road users to play their part to help keep each other safe, particularly at this time of year with poor visibility and wet, slippery roads.

“Police will be conducting targeted motorcycle operations like Operation Kickstand across the state to address the increase in trauma and educate both riders and motorists on the potential dangers involving motorcycles.”