‘Don’t be an Easter Bunny!’ - Trail-bike riders urged to protect themselves

2 April, 2012

The high rate of injuries being suffered by trail-bike riders across Victoria has prompted the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) to remind riders about the importance of protective equipment.

DSE Trail Bike Project Manager Roger Pitt said: “An increasing number of trail bike riders are ending up in hospital emergency departments, so we’d like to remind them that wearing the right protective gear can prevent or reduce the severity of many of those injuries.”

“While trail-bike riders generally travel at lower speeds than road motorcyclists, trail riders have a greater rate of falls and crashes because they are travelling over rough, unstable and steep terrain, with lots of corners,” Mr Pitt said.

“Most off-road riders understand the importance of always wearing an approved helmet when riding, but there are other items of rider protective equipment that can significantly reduce injuries.”

“For instance, many leg and foot injuries are preventable if the rider wears boots that protect the foot, ankle and lower leg.”

“Some riders don’t have protective boots and they are a group we particularly want to target with this current campaign about protective equipment.”

“In addition to an approved helmet, the majority of experienced off-road riders also wear goggles to protect their eyes as well as gloves, knee guards, body armour, boots and purpose designed off-road protective clothing.”

“Young and less experienced riders are at greater risk of injury and should ensure that they wear these items of protective equipment every time they ride to improve their personal safety.”

“Unfortunately, some new riders are ending up in hospital because they spent all their money on the bike, and didn’t get the protective gear they really needed before they started riding.”

“Even with the best protective equipment riders need to remember that riding too fast for the conditions and your skill level can dramatically increase the risk and severity of injuries.”