Do you want to join a motorcycle safety study?

The Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) and Honda Australia Rider Training (HART) are still seeking "returning riders" to participate in a study which aims to help identify the types of training, licensing and countermeasures that would be most beneficial for reducing crash involvement.

The one-hour study involves three separate rides, road, simulator and range (at HART's headquarters in Somerton), and is being funded by the TAC's compulsory motorcycle registration levy. Participants who qualify will be reimbursed $70 for their time.

A returning rider for the purposes of the study is defined as someone who:
* Used to ride and covered no less than 20,000km in those years
* Stopped riding for a period of five years or more
* Returned to riding in the past six months and ridden between 500-1000km in that period.

Participants must:
* Wear appropriate protective clothing during the riding segments
* Have their own registered and roadworthy motorcycle
* Hold a full motorcycle licence

"We are conducting the research in order to contribute to a larger study that aims to find out more about the training needs and contributing factors for returning riders who are involved in crashes, and to make comparisons between new and experienced riders," said MUARC's Christine Mulvhill. "Previous research has suggested that the pattern of riding by returning riders may be contributing to the changing crash trend.

"In addition, research has shown that compared to new and continuing riders, returning riders are more likely to ride in rural areas, more likely to use their motorcycles for touring/weekend riding, and less likely to undertake training.

"Ultimately we hope that the findings of these studies will inform new strategies and programs aimed at significantly reducing these statistics."

Anyone who is interested in participating and meets the criteria should contact HART, tel (03) 9270 1377.