Safer riding
Take these simple steps to keep safe on the roads:
- Ride with your light on at all times. This is required by law (since 1 November 2009).
- Always wear protective clothing (external link).
- Always wear a helmet (external link).
- Ride defensively (external link).
- Be conspicuous (external link).
- Maintain a safe motorcycle.
- Attend a riding school (external link).
- Ride to the conditions (external link) and never exceed speed limits.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Avoid driver fatigue.
Find more safety tips in The official New Zealand road code for motorcyclists.
Be aware
As a motorcyclist, you're most at risk when:
- you're riding around a corner
- another vehicle turns right across your path.
The other most common causes of crashes involving motorcycles include:
- swinging wide on bends (leading to a head-on crash)
- pulling out to pass too quickly, or cutting in after passing
- loss of control - on both straight roads and bends
- collisions at intersections with turning, side-on, merging and in-front traffic
- collisions with obstructions, such as parked cars
- travelling too fast for the conditions
- failing to ride to the road surface (different roads have different skid resistance).
Mopeds (scooters)
While most motorcyclist safety tips also apply to moped riders, there are a few key things you should also be aware of:
- Mopeds are less powerful than motorcycles - you need to take extra care in traffic as it may take you longer to get out of sticky situations.
- Mopeds are smaller than motorcycles and other road users may find you harder to see.
- Mopeds are quieter than motorcycles and other road users may find you harder to hear.
You can find more tips on staying safe and dodging hazards on the Scooter Survival website (external link). And check the information for moped riders in The official New Zealand road code for motorcyclists.
What's the difference between a motorcycle and a moped?
There are different standards and requirements applying to motorcycles and mopeds - both for the vehicle and you as a rider. See the definitions of each vehicle and the different legal requirements that apply.
Learn more about mopeds and the requirements that apply.
