Motorcyclists' perceptions and experiences of riding and risk and their advice for safety

To examine the knowledge, observations, and perceptions of motorcycle riders on the risks of on-road motorcycling and potential safety measures to give insight and guidance in developing policies, programs, and legislation to improve the safety of motorcyclists.

Individual and focus group interviews were conducted with dealers and a cross section of motorcyclists from selected regions across New Zealand. The interviews were analyzed and coded to identify common themes and diverse perspectives on why people rode motorcycles, riders' perceptions on risk, and possible safety strategies for on-road motorcycling.

Motorcycling has major benefits for riders, although most riders perceived that the risks could be severe and they were susceptible to injury. Their observations on the threats and barriers to safety focused on 3 components: the rider, the motorcycle, and the environment. Risks included inexperience, not riding to the conditions, choice of motorcycle, protective clothing and conspicuity, and speed. The underlying risk of being on 2 wheels was accentuated by the availability of high-power motorcycles. The threats perceived in the environment included the behavior of other road users, especially car drivers, and the poor road conditions and surrounds encountered.

Riders identified risks that have been recognized in the road safety literature as well as risks for which there are no engineering or scientific solutions. To effectively increase motorcyclist safety, recognition of the commonalities and the differences between motorcyclists' perspectives and proposed strategies is needed. This approach is more likely to engage riders and thus support positive behavior change among riders and drivers.