Police call for motorbike safety ahead of winter after spike in fatalities

Police are urging riders to take safety seriously after the number of motorcycle-related deaths have already eclipsed last year’s total.

Police call for motorbike safety ahead of winter after spike in fatalities. Picture: istock

Tasmania’s high road fatality, particularly for motorcycles, has led to a renewed plea from police for rider safety.

So far, four riders and one passenger has died in 2025, while 34 riders and a passenger has been seriously injured over the same period.

The number of motorcycle fatalities this year has already eclipsed 2024’s total of four, however there were eight rider deaths in total the year prior.

Sergeant Ben Kromkamp said changing weather conditions, including icy winter roads, left motorcyclists particularly vulnerable.

“We are reminding all road users, and in particular motorcyclists, to be vigilant and prioritise safety on the roads,” Sergeant Kromkamp said.

He called on all riders to protect themselves and others by riding responsibility.

Motorcyclists can do so by ensuring they’re licenced, their motorbike is registered and roadworthy and by wearing appropriate safety gear.

“It’s for their own safety,” he said.

“We’re also asking other motorists to be mindful of motorcyclists on the road as riders are vulnerable road users — it’s for everyone’s safety.”

Expect police on motorbikes this winter. Image: Tasmania Police.

The most recent motorcycle fatal was on April 17 when a 48-year-old died in a two-vehicle crash on the Brooker Highway.

A teenager died that same month after sustaining critical injuries as a pillion passenger during a moped crash at Austins Ferry.

Two fatalities have involved visitors from interstate, one at Liffey in the state’s north, the other on the West Coast at Gormanston.

While in February, a 21-year-old Margate man died from a crash near Warrane.

Sergeant Kromkamp said the community could expect police motorcycles on the roads this winter, in addition to routine high-visibility patrols, static operations and covert patrols.

“Our motorcycles are an integral part of the Tasmania Police fleet, with the advantage of manoeuvrability and ability to access areas that police vehicles can’t, such as narrow alleyways and tracks. They also provide a fast police response to crashes in heavy traffic,” he said.

“And just as our officers take responsibility for both their safety and the safety of others on the road while patrolling on their motorcycles, we are urging all riders to do the same.”

FATAL MOTORCYCLE CRASHES 2025*

APRIL 17: A 48-year-old male motorcyclist died following a two-vehicle crash on the Brooker Highway at Glenorchy.

APRIL 11: 13-year-old boy died from injuries after being a pillion passenger during a moped crash at Austins Ferry.

FEB 18: Victorian 55-year-old male motorcycle rider involved in a crash on Highland Lakes Road, Liffey.

FEB 8: Sadly, a 21-year-old Margate man has died following a motorbike crash near Warrane on Hobart’s Eastern Shore.

JAN 21: A New Zealand national who had been living in Queensland dead in crash involving a motorcycle and a vehicle towing a caravan at Gormanston on the West Coast.

*Correct as of May 21