An increasing number of Victorian motorbike riders believe they should be able to exceed speed limits, according to a Transport Accident Commission survey.
The TAC’s latest Motorcycle Monitor, which surveyed 2,443 motorcycle licence holders, found a decline in the number of riders who are happy to ride within the speed limit.
The findings revealed just 33 percent of respondents think speeding in a 100km/h zone is unacceptable, compared to 46 percent in 2014.
The annual survey also reveals that the changing attitudes to speed limits is reflected in reported rider behaviour, with 53 percent of riders admitting to speeding in 60 zones, up from 31 percent in 2014, and 58 percent in 100 zones, compared with 38 percent five years earlier.
The TAC says, in the past five years, inappropriate speeds have contributed to 43 percent of motorcycle rider and pillion fatalities on Victorian roads.
“Last year, 44 Victorians were killed in motorcycle crashes so it’s hard to fathom that an increasing proportion of riders don’t see the dangers in pushing the limits,” said Transport Accident Commission CEO Joe Calafiore.
“We know most people do the right thing on the roads, but it only takes one small mistake for a tragedy to occur, and at high speeds with less protection, the stakes are always higher.”
The study also found:
- 94 percent of riders agree that drowsy riding is dangerous (up from 88 percent in 2015)
- 91 percent believe riding after taking a small amount of alcohol with prescription drugs with alcohol is dangerous (up from 85 percent in 2015)
The TAC is re-launching its Perfect Ride campaign in March, which highlights key safety issues for recreational riders.
