As the Central District Police annual Month of Motorcycles campaign cruises into its second week, the results so far have been positive with many motorcyclists playing their part to keep our roads safe.
The campaign has been running for the last four years, and has been met with a very positive response from riders, most of who are acting responsibly on the roads.
"We have been really encouraged by the response we received over the past campaigns, and we believe it's a valuable initiative which has a key focus of raising road safety awareness as well as fostering positive interactions with the motoring public,” says Senior Sergeant Kris Burbery, officer in charge of Central District Highway.
“Although we will deal with offences that we identify, the focus is on engaging with riders to raise awareness and remind them of their vulnerability. All road users should respect each other and be aware that they each have responsibilities they need to uphold."
To date there have been four fatal crashes where motorcycles have been involved as well as numerous crashes where motorcyclist have been injured within the District.
"Our aim is to reduce those numbers, and to do that we need motorists to make safe decisions on our roads."
The campaign runs until 16 December, 2014 and sees Police proactively speaking to motorcycle and moped riders, with a focus on motorcycle condition, safety equipment, clothing, licences, rider behaviour and legal compliance.
Checkpoints are also part of the campaign and these are supported by road safety partner agencies including ACC and Horizons City Council.
"During last year's campaign, 612 motorcyclists were stopped at police checkpoints, and while the vast majority were compliant, there were 46 notices issued for speed related offences. This was down considerably from the previous year which was encouraging, however we all know the harm that speeding can cause so motorists need be aware of the sign-posted speed limits and stick to them.
"What was of some concern though is that there were still 31 riders who were in breach of their licence conditions and 30 motorcycles had vehicle faults.
"I cannot understand as a motorcyclist why someone would take the chance and ride a motorcycle that they shouldn't be on, or is not legal and has faults.
"We all need to play our part to keep the roads safe and to prevent the needless loss of life and serious injury," says Senior Sergeant Burbery.
All motorists should be aware that from 1 December 2014, the Land Transport Amendment Bill (No.2) 2014 lowers the adult breath alcohol limit from 400mcg of alcohol per litre of breath, to 250mcg. The blood alcohol limit is reduced from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood (0.08), to 50mg (0.05).
There are also rules that apply to the types of motorcycles learner and restricted licence holders can ride.
This is known as the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS), which identifies ranges of motorcycles appropriate for learners and restricted licence holders.
More information about the scheme is available via the New Zealand Transport Agency website: www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/getting/docs/lams-faqs.pdf. Alternatively, motorcycle dealers have a full list of approved and prohibited motorcycles for those on learner or restricted licences.
Motorcycle safety tips:
- Have the appropriate licence and the correct size of motorcycle for it.
- Ensure your motorcycle is registered, warranted and in safe working condition.
- Wear the right safety clothing and footwear. No bare skin or jandals!
- Wear an approved safety helmet.
- If you are riding a motorcycle that was manufactured on or after 1 January, 1980, the headlight must be switched on at all times when on the road.
- Ensure you comply with any conditions of a graduated (learner or restricted) drivers' licence.
- Visit the website http://www.rideforever.co.nz for tips and training on riding motorcycles safely and improve your skills.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.