Motorcycles and scooters
Road riders
The number of motorcycle and scooter riders in Sydney is growing. Motorcycles and scooters are fun and cheap to run.
However, their growing popularity means that accidents involving motorbikes and scooters are also on the rise. The most common type of crash happens when a rider collides with the vehicle in front.
Riding safety tips
Practise low-risk riding by:
- leaving a 3-second gap between yourself and the vehicle in front
- wearing protective clothing
- being aware of all dangers from vehicles and keeping in mind they may not see you
- being aware of all other road users, including pedestrians.
Protective clothing
The Motorcycle Council of New South Wales says that the following gear can significantly reduce injuries if you are involved in an accident:
- Australian standard full-face helmet
- jacket and pants - highly abrasion and tear resistant, completely covering arms, legs and the body, secured at the wrist, waist and ankles.
- gloves - gauntlet style with a strengthened palm area and knuckle protection, with zip or Velcro fastening around the wrist
- boots without laces - must overlap the pants and provide shin, ankle and instep protections with zipper or Velcro fasteners.
Road rules
All Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) road rules apply to motorcycle and scooter riders.
- Motorbikes and scooters are not allowed to use a bicycle lane except for 50 metres before entering or after leaving a driveway or intersection
- Motorbikes and scooters must not be ridden on a footpath or shared path. You must dismount, even when looking for an off-road parking space. The only riders exempt from this rule are postal delivery workers
- Motorbikes and scooters can travel in transit and bus lanes, but not in bus only lanes.
Links
Good gear guide for motorcycle and scooter ridersLast updated: Friday, 24 May 2013
