Did you know that while motorbikes make up just four per cent of vehicles registered in New South Wales, over the past five years in our region motorcyclists have accounted for 18 per cent of road fatalities?
And, in the past 12 months, that statistic was 23 per cent.
In response to these staggering statistics, Tweed Shire Council (TSC) is sponsoring a free Survive the Ride workshop at Chillingham next Sunday (February 19) run by former riding instructors and motorcycle highway patrol officers.
TSC’s road safety officer Alana Brooks said that ‘motorcycling is more popular than ever and this is sadly reflected in an increase in motorcycle fatalities in our region’.
The free workshop will cater to all rider levels and be held at the Chillingham Hall, with lunch provided.
The two-hour theory workshop is designed to help riders improve their riding decisions and manage risk through the use of roadcraft, riding techniques and riding gear.
Council is sponsoring the workshop as part of the Local Government Road Safety Program, which aims to reduce deaths and injuries from road trauma.
The workshop, from 12 noon to 2pm, is being run by Survive the Ride Association of NSW (STRA) Riders.
‘Riders are encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety – it doesn’t hurt any less when it’s not your fault,’ said STRA’s David Tynan.
Riders are encouraged to book a place at the workshop by phoning (02) 6670 2400 to assist with catering.