- Published:
- Thursday, 29 May 2025 at 2:52 am
Victoria Police is issuing an urgent warning to all road users following a concerning increase in trauma involving motorcyclists.
It comes as 130 lives have been lost on Victorian roads to date in 2025, which is the highest number of deaths for the same time period in 10 years.
Motorcyclist fatalities represent a quarter of all lives lost year to date.
Eight of the 32 rider deaths have occurred during May, with three occurring last Sunday alone in Werribee and Colac West in the state’s west, and Stockdale in the state’s east.
Police analysis of recent motorcycle collisions have identified that the majority have occurred on weekends, involved recreational motorcycle riders and have occurred during periods of warmer weather and low rainfall.
Police have identified excessive or inappropriate speed, rider inexperience and unauthorised riding (those who are unlicenced, suspended and/or disqualified from riding) as key contributing factors in motorcycle trauma.
Driver inattention and failing to give way also continue to be major factors in collisions involving motorcyclists and vehicles.
With dry, sunny conditions forecast for this weekend, police are warning of an increased risk of recreational motorcycle trauma.
Motorcycle safety will be prioritised across the state, with a focus on highly visible road policing enforcement to deter offending.
Police will be on the lookout for any risky riding behaviour, as well as dangerous driving that puts riders at risk.
Motorcyclists are being urged to ride appropriately to the conditions, avoid speeding and ensure they are wearing appropriate protective riding gear.
Other motorists are being warned to look out for motorcyclists on the roads, particularly when changing lanes.
Victoria Police will also launch another major statewide road policing operation next week ahead of the King’s Birthday long weekend, with motorcycle safety set to be a major focus.
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.
Quotes attributable to Road Policing Command Superintendent, Fiona Bock:
“This recent rise of road trauma involving motorcyclists is extremely concerning to police.
“Typically we start to see a decline in recreational riding as we head into the winter period, but with the warmer weather we’ve experienced, this has shown no signs of slowing down.
“In fact, eight rider deaths during May means this has been one of the worst periods of road trauma for motorcyclists this year.
“Every road user needs to prioritise safety – whether you’re on a motorcycle or behind the wheel of the car, we can all contribute to making our roads safer and reducing the risk of trauma.
“With favourable weather forecast for this weekend, we’ll be doing all we can to help keep motorcyclists and all road users safe, so expect to see a highly visible presence across the state’s roads.”
Media Unit
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