Rise in motorcyclist deaths to be addressed at upcoming roundtable
- intouch Magazine
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Experts from across Australia will gather in Sydney next month for a Motorcycle Safety Roundtable convened by the Minns Labor Government after the number of motorcyclists dying on NSW roads hit a 10-year high.
In 2024, there was an increase of 16 people who died either riding (63) or as a passenger on a motorcycle (5) when compared to 2023.
To help better understand why more motorcycle riders have died, and to explore potential steps that can be taken to save lives, the government will hold a Motorcycle Safety Roundtable on April 29.
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said “I am deeply concerned about the alarming rise in the number of motorcyclists dying on our roads. Every death on our roads is one too many, and we’re determined to do more to save lives of all road users, particularly those who are more vulnerable like motorcyclists.”
The roundtable will see motorcycle rider groups, academics, motorcycling experts, government agencies, and other key stakeholders gather to examine the challenge confronting the community and potential improvements in areas such as licensing, education and training, vehicle safety, infrastructure, and use of protective gear requirements.
Minister Aitchison continued, “We held the state’s first Road Safety Forum last year and have introduced a range of changes to help save lives, including the average speed camera trial for light vehicles, switching on mobile seatbelt offence detection cameras, and boosting the road safety budget to $2.8 billion.
“We know there’s more to do and we want to work with the community to come up with the right solutions to the challenges we face.
She also offered safety advice, “I want to take this opportunity to remind motorcyclists that if you’re riding, you should always stay within the speed limit, watch out for oncoming traffic, curves, and very importantly - make sure you’re wearing safe helmets and gear. For other motorists, please be mindful, give motorcyclists space, and check your blind spots when merging in traffic or crossing lanes.”
It will also allow an opportunity for input on potential reforms to improve training and licensing requirements through the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing Scheme.
The number of young motorcycle riders aged 16-25 dying on our roads increased, from 12 in 2023 to 21 in 2024.
Novice rider deaths, which include those with learner or provisional licenses, also increased year-on-year from nine in 2023 to 14 in 2024.
Hospitalizations of motorcyclists also increased by 10 percent in the 12 months to June 2024, with 2,846 motorcyclists admitted to hospital. This is 248 more than the previous 12 months.
Throughout 2024, motorcycle riders made up almost 20 percent of all deaths on NSW roads, and 57 percent of the deaths were in regional NSW.
So far in 2025, as of 27 March 2025, 23 motorcyclists have died, which is nine more lives lost than at the same time last year.
Motorcycle Council of NSW Chairman, Vincent Buck, said, “The Motorcycle Council of NSW welcomes the establishment of a Motorcycle Safety Roundtable aimed at addressing the critical issue of motorcycle fatalities and serious injuries on NSW roads. Motorcyclists are not only our friends, family, and loved ones, but valued members of our community.
“We are committed to ensuring that decisions made as a result of these discussions prioritise their safety. Our goal is to make NSW roads as safe as possible for riders and all road users alike.”
Road safety advocate, Heidi Haydon, said “Motorcycle safety is so important, and it's great to see it being at the forefront of discussions in road safety. I’ve always loved riding, and I know from my experience how important it is to stay safe on the roads - for motorcyclists and for other road users!
“Having survived a crash and spending time in rehabilitation, I understand the impacts of serious injuries for our riders, so having a roundtable dedicated to discussing what we can do to improve this is very positive.”
