A REVIEW detailing the analysis of thousands of motorcycle crashes over the past several years has been released by road safety minister Liza Harvey.
The review found 20 per cent of riders killed had an illegal alcohol limit, most riders had accumulated infringements and most crashes were speed related.
The review analysed issues surrounding licensing, the traffic, and criminal history of riders as well as investigating the crash itself.
Ms Harvey said despite only making up five per cent of motorists, motorcyclists made up about 25 per cent of fatalities on the road.
“It also found 75 per cent of crashes in the metropolitan area were multi-vehicle crashes with failure to give way,” she said.
Ms Harvey said she believed enhanced training and tighter alcohol restrictions for novice riders should be implemented.
President of the WA Women’s Motorcycle Riders incorporated Sandra Mutch said enhanced training was the right idea but that all road users should require additional training.
“We are all for enhanced driver and rider training, but it would be discriminatory to require further rider training alone, when it is recognised that 75 per cent of crashes are multi-vehicle crashes, with failure to give way,” she said.
While Ms Mutch believes enhanced rider training is important she urges anyone thinking about getting onto a bike to seriously consider the risks involved.
“It is inevitable rider fatalities will be higher, bikes are exposed and don’t have a steel cage protecting you,” she said.
“It’s important to be the best rider you can be and wear the protective gear but when a rider hits a car or a tree all the protective gear in the world won’t protect you when these factors come into play,” she said.
