This paper describes motorcycle crashes on North Queensland public roads and lands, the vehicle types and riders involved, and explores the main factors contributing to crash and injury. While a large majority of crashes occurred on highways, secondary or sealed local roads, over 50 per cent of vehicles were dedicated off-road (enduro) or dual purpose (road/trail) motorcycle types. Cruisers were the highest represented road motorcycle, comprising 17 per cent of all motorcycle types. 12 per cent of riders were unlicensed or inappropriately licensed for the vehicle type and approximately 15 per cent of vehicles were unregistered. Most crashes occurred during late morning or early afternoon and the vast majority of riders were male (94 per cent). The mean age of riders was 35 years, while 28 per cent were aged between 16 and 24. The majority of riders interviewed (59 per cent) indicated recreation (leisure or holiday) as their reason for travel, which together with the data on vehicle types raises interesting questions regarding the overall safety of recreational off-road motorcycling. The data and discussion raise several possibilities for developing tailored interventions targeting this vulnerable group of road users. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E217612.
Abstract