Bikers at great risk on road, stats show

Staying safe on the roads is all about getting your training hours in, a Northland motorcycling club says.

Michael Couchmen, co-ordinator of the Ulysses motorcycle club Far North branch, said club members regularly took part in training days.

Mr Couchmen said incoming rules aimed at reducing the number of motorcyclists killed and maimed on New Zealand roads were likely to help, but riders were ultimately responsible for themselves.

Nationwide motorcyclists are 20 times more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a crash than other motorists.

Hundreds of motorcyclists have died in crashes in the past decade. Of the 21 motorcycling fatalities this year, two were in Northland.

Twenty other motorcycling injuries were recorded in Northland between January and April this year.

So far this year ACC has approved 104 claims in relation to motorcycle/scooter injuries in Northland, costing the taxpayer $425,875, while a total of 209 were approved in 2011, costing $1,301,398.

From October 1 learner and restricted-level motorcycle licences will be required to comply with a new bike performance rating system, which measures bikes against their drivers using a power-to-weight ratio.

Currently riders are limited to choosing a bike that falls within the appropriate engine capacity for their licence class, regardless of their weight or size.

Riders on their restricted licences will also be required to remain on that level for a minimum 18 months, regardless of age or extra qualifications.

Currently motorcycle riders over 25 or those who have completed an approved defensive driving course can reduce the time they need to spend at the restricted level.

It will also become harder to obtain a motorcycle licence as tougher standards for the basic handling skills test kick in on November 1.