Shocking motorcycle stats trigger call for new mandatory protective equipment

Motorcycle fatalities have increased for a sixth consecutive year, making up 28 per cent of Queensland’s road toll, despite accounting for just 7 per cent of vehicles. Now, there are calls for new safety equipment to be made mandatory. HAVE YOUR SAY

Hundreds of people are calling on the state government to mandate protective gear for motorcyclists and their passengers, as rider fatalities increase for a sixth consecutive year.

Last year, 79 motorbike riders died on Queensland roads, making up 28 per cent of the state’s total road toll.

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This is despite motorcycles making up roughly 7 per cent of vehicles registered in Queensland.

Fatalities have increased by 39 per cent since 2018, while hospitalisations of riders shot up nearly 15 per cent in the same period.

Cairns police and paramedics attend the scene of a non-fatal traffic crash between a motorcycle and small hatchback at the intersection of Scott and Bunda Streets, Cairns. File picture: Brendan Radke

When Gold Coast resident and motorcycle rider of 32 years Tracey Kennedy suffered a major crash in Warwick last February, she decided to write to her local member to petition for minimum motorcycle safety standards in Queensland.

She has first-hand experience of how proper protective gear can be lifesaving.

“I came off my bike at 100km/h,” she said.

“I’m lucky to be here, if it wasn’t for my safety gear I wouldn’t have made it.”

The petition, which calls on state parliament to legislate mandatory protective clothing for motorcyclists, has gained more than 430 signatures in since November 29.

Under current laws, motorcycle riders only need to wear a helmet if operating a motorbike, quad bike or off-road vehicle. There are no laws ensuring riders wear shoes or protective materials while on motorcycles.

Ms Kennedy said new riders were overly relaxed about donning safety gear, while others argued it was too hot to wear.

“I saw one lady wearing a pair of high heels on a bike the other day; how can she put her feet down safely?” she said.

“People say it’s too hot but manufacturers will start thinking about us and hopefully start designing breathable gear and ways to keep us cooler.

“Everyone’s entitled to their opinion on it, this one’s mine, I just want people to be safe.

Member for Coomera Michael Crandon is sponsoring the petition, and said it would likely be similar to the introduction of seatbelts.

The aftermath of a non-fatal crash involving a truck and a motorcycle on Enoggera Rd, Alderley. File picture: Liam Kidston

“People kicked up a stink … but in reality, the fatalities more than halved,” he said.

“Fatalities are the tip of the iceberg; the ratio of motorcycle hospitalisations is massive when compared to other road incidents.

“It’s mind blowing that it’s never been on the agenda.”

Mr Crandon said it would be up to experts to design any legislation, he expected any potential new laws would include a transition period.

The protective clothing for motorcyclists and their passengers petition, which can be found on the state parliament website, closes on March 17.

Originally published as Shocking motorcycle stats trigger call for new mandatory protective equipment