New safety campaign has motorcyclists in its sights

Hundreds of motorcycling enthusiasts turned out yesterday for the launch of a new safety campaign at the Woodford Showgrounds.

Moreton District Prevention Unit officer-in-charge Sergeant Sarah Grayson says Motorcycles The Shiny Side Up aims to shine a light on motorbike safety from a rider and motorist perspective.

“The support we had yesterday was fantastic,” Sarah says.

“Everyone who came is clearly very passionate about motorcycle safety.

“They were all keen to know more and to learn about the videos we’ve put together (for the campaign).”

Supported by the Queensland Police Highway Patrol and Forensic Crash Unit, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the Queensland Motorcycle Council, Motorcycle Life, The Thin Blue Line Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, accessories outlet Race and Road, and Smart Rider, the campaign aims to stem the tide of injuries and fatalities associated with riding.

See the gallery

Sarah says while the number of deaths involving motorcyclists has improved since last year, police are determined to continue raising awareness.

So far this year 16 motorcyclists, moped riders or pillion passengers have died on Queensland roads.

In 2021, 66 motorcyclists, pillion passengers or moped riders perished, compared with 55 in 2020, while the number of motorcycle, moped and pillion passengers hospitalised after an accident in the first half of last year was 636 – an increase of more than 20 percent.

Gear up for riding