Reforms for NSW motorbike riders announced after horror weekend on roads

The most significant motorcycle safety reforms in nearly 20 years have been announced for New South Wales after a horror weekend on Aussie roads.

The NSW government said the reforms will include targeted, evidence-based measures to protect novice riders and save lives, as well as broader efforts to improve road safety infrastructure across the state.

The news comes as four motorbike riders were killed on Saturday in separate crashes around the country — the youngest of whom was 19.

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In 2024, 68 motorbike riders and passengers died on NSW roads, a 34 per cent increase from the previous year.

Motorcyclists remain 34 times more likely to die in a crash than other road users. While motorcycles make up just 3.8 per cent of registered vehicles, they account for almost 20 per cent of road deaths.

“These reforms are about smarter, safer riding,” Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said.

“They’re grounded in data, evidence-based and shaped by insights from riders and safety experts and proven to work in other jurisdictions.”

More than 70 riders, trainers and safety experts made recommendations for the reforms, which found overwhelming support for better rider training and education, protective gear standards and enhanced road infrastructure.

The most significant motorcycle safety reforms in nearly 20 years have been announced for NSW. Credit: Getty Images

It also highlighted the growing trauma burden felt among motorcyclists.

“These reforms target novice riders because they are over seven times more likely to die in a crash than experienced riders,” Aitchison said.

“By strengthening training, improving on-road experience and mandating simple protective gear, we’re giving new riders the best possible start.

“Every life lost on our roads is one too many. We all have a role to play in keeping NSW roads safe.”

The Minns Government has previously announced investments into road safety infrastructure, including rub rails on barriers, improved shoulders, safer line markings and targeted road upgrades. It is now promising that NSW’s motorcycle training pathway is subsidised to support training for riders and said it will remain one of the most affordable in Australia.

“Each year Transport for NSW issues around 25,000 learner licences, with approximately 40 per cent of new riders being under 25,” Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said.

“These changes are designed to reduce the risk to this group, who are over-represented in motorcycle trauma.”

Key motorcycle safety reforms in NSW

The reforms include:

• Mandatory protective gloves for all learner and provisional riders.

• High-visibility vests for learner riders to improve visibility and awareness on the road.

• Extended pre-learner course, increasing training with experienced riding instructors, allowing for more and improved learning outcomes and skill development.

• New online learning modules and knowledge testing, to expand theory requirements.

• Group on-road coaching and assessment, bringing NSW into line with best practice in other states.

The rollout of reforms is said to be staged over multiple years to allow for “detailed program design, industry-wide communication and preparation of training providers to deliver the enhanced training”.