More than one in 10 motorcyclists had a collision during the two-year period to summer 2023, according to a major new report on motorcyclists from the Road Safety Authority (RSA). 

The National Survey of Motorcyclists of 1,200 motorcyclists was conducted during the summer of 2023. 

More than one in 10 (11%) of the motorcyclists said they had a road collision during the last two years. The incidence of near misses rises to 71% of motorcyclists experiencing at least one during the last two years. Both incidences are significantly higher among riders under the age of 35 years.

Of those that had a collision, 52% reported injuries, with one in three reporting serious injuries. The other 48% were minor spills, where no one was injured but there was possible damage to the vehicles involved.

The two most common reasons for road collisions were another vehicle coming from a side road pulling into their path (18%); and another vehicle colliding with the rear or side of their motorcycle (16%). 

Over four in 10 motorcyclists own two or more motorcycles. Motorcycle usage peaks in the summer with 86% of motorcyclists riding at least once a week. About two in three ride on a weekly basis during the entire year, and this is higher among those aged 35 to 54.

In terms of unsafe riding behaviour, most motorcyclists (86%) admitted to filtering through stationary or slow-moving vehicles at least occasionally. Also relatively common is exceeding the speed limit on motorways and rural roads, with 42% doing this at least occasionally. 3% have ridden a motorcycle after drinking alcohol in past 12 months, with the incidence rate rising to 6% among those based in Dublin.

Sam Waide, Chief Executive, RSA said: “So far this year, we have tragically seen 15 motorcyclist deaths. The lack of a protective cabin combined with possible high-speed means that motorbikes will always be a particularly vulnerable mode of transport. However, motorcyclists can greatly reduce risk by taking some simple precautions such as professional training, wearing the proper personal protective equipment and ensuring that your motorcycle is properly maintained.

Drivers of other vehicles need to be aware of motorcyclists, particularly in their blind spots, when turning, overtaking and at junctions. All road users need to look out for each other and share the road safely. Give space to others, particularly vulnerable road users – motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians on all journeys.”

When asked for suggestions on how to improve road safety for motorcyclists, awareness training for other road users was the most frequent response.

Approximately two in three motorcyclists check external motorcycle components like tyres and lights before every journey, the survey found. Engine oil, rubber components and the coolant are checked less frequently.

To book an expert workshop on motorcycle safety, go to gardabikesafe.ie – BikeSafe is a programme co-funded by An Garda Siochana and the RSA. RSA advice and guidance for motorcyclists can be found here on www.rsa.ie.

The full report, National Survey of Motorcyclists, can be found here.