MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday 20 March

Scooter riders urged to avoid cheese-grater skin

Auckland Transport’s new safety campaign has some cautionary advice for scooter riders riding around town wearing shorts, jandals and a tee-shirt.

The impact on their skin should riders hit the tar-seal wearing only jandals, shorts and a tee-shirt, would be like skin going through a cheese grater.

Auckland Transport’s Community Transport Manager Matthew Rednall acknowledges that scooter riders enjoy the freedom and ease of travel that a scooter provides, an attitude which is reflected in their choice of clothing.

“We’re urging them to cover up. An extra layer of clothing can reduce the seriousness of injuries if riders do hit the tar-seal.

“Just as important is wearing reflective clothing which will increase visibility and their chances of being seen by others on the road.”

The campaign also focuses on motorcycle safety in particularly encouraging motorists to look out for them on the road. Scooter riders and motorcyclists are 18 per cent more likely to be killed or injured on roads than the driver of a car.

Graham Bastow from the Auckland Motorcycle Club says “Being visible to motorists is critical to staying safe and preventing accidents. Us two-wheelers need to be pro-active and prepare ourselves for what the road throws at us by wearing hi viz gear, turning on their headlights and being aware of driver blind spots.

“Educating drivers to be aware of motorcyclists and the danger they pose when they fail to see us is just as important,” says Mr Bastow.

In many cases, the driver of the other vehicle never saw the rider or did not see them until it was too late. Poor observation is a factor in crashing and crossing or turning at intersections. Drivers can reduce the risk to motorcyclists by checking their blind spots carefully and taking extra care at intersections.

Auckland Transport is hosting a free breakfast for motorcyclists on Thursday 22 March which will be an opportunity to pick up safety tips and talk to other riders.

This is the second year of the motorcycle and scooter safety campaign. Radio ads and billboards will encourage roads users to look out for each other.

Free breakfast for motorcyclists
When: Thursday 22 March
Where: Fish Market, Wynyard Quarter
Time: 6am – 9am
Free

ENDS

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