Almost 40 per cent of serious motorcycle crashes in Moorabool occur off-road, prompting Bacchus Marsh police to warn leisure riders to ‘‘play it safe’’ on the region’s trails.
Inspector Brendon McCrory said in the year to January, serious injury collisions increased 24.7 per cent from the previous year.
“[Motorcyclists’] safety gear is of a high standard and they have excellent compliance with legislation, but they’re coming off bikes, crashing into trees and sustaining serious injuries,” Mr McCrory said.
Ballan recorded the highest number of serious off-road injuries in Moorabool, with most occurring between noon and 2pm.
“That’s what concerns us, as it’s not a typically dangerous time,’’ Mr McCrory said.
Victorian Motorcycle Council spokesman John Eacott said off-road riding posed greater dangers.
“On road, where you’re riding against curves, you can come off into an area of safety,” Mr Eacott said.
“Off-road, as with horse riding, you’re trying to control a one-tonne beast and you’re facing obstacles like uneven paths, trees or gullies.”
Statistics from 2011 show 38,423 new off-road bikes were registered statewide
last year.
Mr McCrory said police officers were meeting motorcyclists at trail starting points, such as Wombat State Forest, to educate them about safer riding.
“The damage these injuries do go beyond the physical – it ripples out and affects their families, their job, insurance and the TAC,” he said.
“Our region attracts off-road bikers because of the exciting, rugged terrain. But they need to take better care.”
