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.
- Learn more about riding safely in bus and transit lanes
- Find rider skills training that
suit your skill level - Find out what safety gear you need
Statistics and safety awareness
Auckland Transport is now a Vision Zero region, under Tāmaki Makaurau Road Safety Governance Group’s new Safety Strategy.
There are an increasingly high number of motorcycle crashes across the Auckland region. Between 2017 and 2021, 40 people died and 577 were seriously injured as a result of motorcycle crashes in the Auckland region. The most common crash factors were poor observation and failed to give way/stop.
We are committed to helping reduce the number of death and serious injury (DSI) crashes involving motorcyclists by making upskilling workshops options available as well as through motorcycle education campaigns and 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, whether caused by the rider, other road users, the road environment or the vehicle itself, are more severe for motorcyclists.
Motorcycle campaign
Auckland Transport produced a marketing campaign targeting both motorcycle riders and motorists in relation to cars turning right in front of an oncoming motorbike.
AT’s focus is to educate Motorbike riders on what is best practice to ride when approaching intersections and 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, enabling them to spot potential hazards earlier and clearer. Good riders see the big picture when approaching intersections.
- The call to action for riders is ‘Intersection. See everything, so you can react to anything’.
- The call to action for ‘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. Here are some helpful hints and tips for riders:
- Continuously scan ahead for traffic.
- Always ensure 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.
- When approaching intersections, you need to be clearly visible to all turning traffic at all times. You may need to adjust your approach position, depending on whether traffic is waiting to turn from the left or the right.
- View videos on riding skills on the Ride Forever website.
Rider skills training
Brush up on your riding skills for summer with 8 hours of Ride Forever motorcycle training from $20. You’ll cover the key motorcycle control skills of positioning, speed management, progression, stability, and much more.
From learning how to keep yourself safe on the daily commute to honing the most advanced riding techniques, there’s a Ride Forever course to suit your needs.
Motorcycle safety gear
Protective gear is a must for every ride. The essential items are:
- Helmet - by law, you must wear a helmet to protect yourself from
head injury. - Boots and gloves – to prevent breakages and abrasion.
- Jacket or leathers – one- or two-piece suits to protect against abrasions.
Motorcycle shops can offer advice on what is right for you. Or find out more about choosing the right gear on the Ride Forever website.
High visibility gear is becoming
Report a problem on Auckland roads
Please inform us of any maintenance required, such as reporting a pothole or loose gravel. Ask for improvements to make your motorcycle ride safer.