Using the Sixth Sense to combat motorcycle trauma

Five-time world MotoGP champion Mick Doohan urges riders to use their sixth sense to reduce the chances of a crash in a new motorcycle safety campaign launched last week by the Palaszczuk Government.

Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said the online campaign has already reached over 1 million users on Facebook and encouraged motorcycle riders to heed Mick’s advice and use their sixth sense on the road.

“Motorcycle riders are one of the most vulnerable road user groups and tragically they usually come off second-best in a crash,” Mr Bailey said.

“This group continues to be over-represented in the road toll - twenty-eight motorcycle riders have died on Queensland roads so far this year.

“I’m excited to have respected world champion Mick Doohan leading this safety campaign and helping us reach even more motorcycle riders - I thank him for his involvement.”

Mr Doohan stars in a range of new online videos that encourage safe motorcycle riding and provide advice on several topics including road craft, cornering and braking, group riding, and returning to ride after some time off the bike.

He said it didn’t matter if riders were new to the activity or had been riding motorcycles for decades, it was vital they kept working on their sixth sense.

“Sixth sense is the high level of awareness required to ride a motorcycle safely,” Mr Doohan said.

“It’s that unique instinct all riders share that help us read the road, the conditions, the potential hazards and stay focussed and in control.”  

The Sixth Sense motorcycle campaign is only one of several initiatives announced by the Palaszczuk Government to help combat motorcycle trauma on Queensland roads.

Other initiatives include:

• Four new unmarked Police motorcycles for education and enforcement activities on known high-risk motorcycle routes throughout Queensland
• Reforming Queensland’s motorcycle licensing from October 2016 to ensure that testing and licensing requirements adequately prepare novice riders and encourage skill development
• More than $11 million to boost safety projects across the state to reduce the severity of crashes at motorcycle black spots.

The Sixth Sense campaign includes a range of online resources to encourage safe motorcycle riding including videos, regional maps highlighting some of Queensland’s favourite rides, and other important safety information broken down into relevant skill-level.   

The campaign will be promoted through online and outdoor billboard advertising, as well a strong social media presence to enforce the motorcycle safety message.

For more information and to view the videos visit: www.jointhedrive.qld.gov.au/motorcycles

ENDS

Media Contacts:        Anna Jabour 0429 890 942

Motorcyclist Casualties by Police Region

FATALITIES to 30 june 2016*