Motorcycle safety Motorcycle safety
Auckland's roads are changing for motorcyclists. Whether you are new to riding, or an experienced rider, we are working to help keep you safe.
On this page
- Statistics and safety awareness
- Motorcycle campaign
- Using bus and transit lanes safely
- Rider skills training
- Motorcycle safety gear
- Contact us
Statistics and safety awareness
Auckland Transport is now a Vision Zero region, under Tāmaki Makaurau Road Safety Governance Group’s new Safety Strategy.
Between 2017 and 2021, 40 people died and 577 were seriously injured from motorcycle crashes in the Auckland region. The most common crash factors were poor observation and not giving way or stopping.
We are committed to helping lower the number of death and serious injury (DSI) crashes involving motorcyclists by providing:
- upskilling workshops options
- motorcycle education campaigns
- engagement programmes.
The risk of a motorcyclist being killed or injured in road crashes is 21 times higher than for car drivers over the same distance travelled. Riding a motorcycle requires a different set of skills and a higher level of vehicle control than driving a car. The potential outcomes of any crash are worse for motorcyclists, whether caused by the rider, other road users, the road environment or the vehicle itself.
Motorcycle marketing campaign
We made a marketing campaign for both motorcycle riders and motorists about cars turning right in front of oncoming motorbikes.
Our focus was to educate motorbike riders and drivers about best practice when nearing intersections. We wanted drivers to look again when they turn right at an intersection or move out from a give-way junction.
We want motorbike riders to always put themselves in a position on the road that maximises their vision. This helps them see potential hazards earlier and clearer. Good riders see the big picture when approaching intersections.
Call to action for riders
‘Intersection. See everything, so you can react to anything’.
The call to action
‘Drivers: Motorbikes will appear sooner than you think. At intersections, look again before you move’.
Examples of the creative we are using for this campaign
Billboard
Radio Ad
The radio ad is targeted at drivers.
Using bus and transit lanes safely
Motorcycles are allowed where there are signs saying 'Bus Lane' or 'Transit Lane', for example T2, T3. They are not allowed where there is a 'Bus Only' sign.
Crashes tend to happen when motorcycles are going faster than other traffic because the bus lane is clear.
Be extra careful at driveways and intersections where cars are waved through a queue by another driver.
'B' traffic lights
If the rider of a cycle, moped, or motorcycle is lawfully using a bus lane, while a white 'B' signal is displayed, they can:
- travel straight ahead or turn right or turn left
- turn right or turn left even though a traffic signal is displaying a red signal in the form of a disc.
Find out more on New Zealand Legislation website.
At intersections
Many crashes happen when a driver does not see a motorcyclist, especially at intersections. When riding you should:
- always scan ahead for traffic.
- always make sure that traffic waiting to turn at the intersection ahead can clearly see you
- be aware that you and your motorcycle might be in the blind spot generated by the vehicle in front
- be clearly visible to all turning traffic at all times when approaching intersections and adjust your approach position depending on whether traffic is waiting to turn from the left or the right.
To watch videos about riding skills, go to Ride Forever website (opens in a new tab).
Rider skills training
You can get 8 hours of motorcycle training for $20 through Ride Forever (opens in a new tab). You’ll learn key motorcycle control skills of positioning, speed management, progression, stability and much more.
Keep yourself safe on your daily commute by learning more advanced riding techniques. There are Ride Forever courses for all skill levels.
Motorcycle safety gear
To stay safe every ride you need to wear:
- a helmet — by law, you must wear it to protect yourself from a head injury
- boots and gloves to prevent breakages and abrasions (scrapes)
- a jacket or leathers — one- or 2-piece suits to protect against abrasions.
Motorcycle shops can offer advice on what is right for you. You can also find out more about choosing the right gear on the Ride Forever website (opens in a new tab).
High visibility gear is becoming standard for riders and is easily available. Bright clothing, backpacks and bikes can also help car drivers see you.