Police are prioritising motorcycle safety this month following a worrying rise in rider fatalities in 2024.
There have been 52 motorcyclist fatalities so far this year, just one shy of the total 53 rider fatalities for all of 2023.
At the same time last year there were 35 rider motorcyclist deaths while the five-year average for the period is 32.8.
It's the highest number of motorcycle fatalities recorded between January and September in 10 years.
Police are concerned motorcyclist deaths will continue to climb as the warmer weather approaches.
October to December is traditionally considered the highest risk period for motorcycle trauma.
Despite less trauma typically occurring during winter there were 17 rider deaths recorded across June, July and August compared with eight during the same period last year.
Recent police analysis of this year's motorcycle fatalities found at least 60 per cent of fatal rider collisions were multi-vehicle collisions, with the majority occurring at intersections.
Failing to give way was cited as the most common factor in fatal rider collisions where the other party was at fault, while excessive speed has been identified as the major contributing factor where the rider was at fault.
More than half of this year's motorcycle fatalities occurred on roads with a posted speed limit between 70km/h and 110km/h.
There have been 30 motorcyclist deaths recorded on metropolitan roads, up from 24 at the same time last year. Half occurred in Melbourne's southeast including:
• Eight in Casey/Cardinia/Dandenong
• Five in Glen Eira/Kingston
• Two in Frankston
Rider deaths have doubled on the state's regional roads, with 22 fatalities compared with 10 at the same time last year.
• Six in the Ballarat/Moorabool region
• Four in the Bendigo/Campaspe region
• Three in both of the Wodonga/Wangaratta and Benalla regions
Weekends between 12pm and 6pm is the most common time for fatal motorcycle collisions, particularly on regional roads which correlates with recreational riding activity.
Riders aged 18 - 25 represented the highest number of fatalities to date (16), followed by 11 deaths in the 36 - 45 age group and nine deaths among those aged 26 - 35. More than 90 per cent of the deceased riders were male.
In an effort to reduce the rising number of rider deaths, police will ramp up enforcement and further prioritise motorcycle safety this month.
The increased focus coincides with Motorcycle Awareness Month, an annual initiative that encourages both motorists and motorcyclists to safely share the road. This focus will continue into November and December.
There will be several on and off-road operations conducted in high-risk areas across the state, with police on the lookout for non-compliant riders, as well as drivers who engage in dangerous driving behaviour that puts motorcyclists at risk.
Motorists are being encouraged to be extra vigilant and on the lookout for motorcyclists, particularly when changing lanes or when required to give way.
Police are urging motorcyclists to slow down, ride to the conditions and always wear appropriate protective riding gear.
Quotes attributable to Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir:
"The rise in road trauma involving motorcyclists this year is incredibly concerning and has shown no sign of slowing down.
"We're about to enter what has traditionally been the highest risk period for motorcyclist fatalities, and yet with still three months remaining in the year, we're close to surpassing the total number of motorcyclist deaths for all of 2023.
"This year we've seen an increase in the number of rider deaths from multi-vehicle collisions, with failing to give way by other road users and excessive speed by riders the most common contributing factors.
"During Motorcycle Awareness Month, and in the months following, we'll have an increased focus on rider safety through education and enforcement, but we're asking all road users to consider how they can contribute to making our roads safer.
"For motorists, that means watching out for motorcyclists, being present behind the wheel and aware of your surroundings.
"For motorcyclists, it means keeping yourself safe with the right protective gear and avoiding risky riding behaviour like excessive speeding.
"Now is not the time to be complacent - it's up to all of us to do everything we can to prevent further motorcyclist deaths. Every rider death is one too many."
