Weekend worry

As part of Motorcycle Awareness Week, Swann Insurance's Marketing Manager, James Reynolds said motorcycle collisions on Sundays increase by around 50 per cent compared to weekdays.

"On weekends, more recreational and possibly inexperienced riders use the roads and take scenic routes, where there are more serious motorcycle hazards.

"We undertook an audit of these scenic routes and found the Alpine Way in NSW's southern highland is a popular and attractive route for weekend riders yet it is one of the most dangerous. The line markings are almost non-existent, which is unsafe on winding roads with blind corners and this road is known for falling rocks, which can be fatal to an unsuspecting rider," he said.

The Princess Highway, between Ulladulla and Shoal Haven was also identified as a motorcycle black spot as heavy vehicles that leak oil and diesel frequent this road, making it dangerous for riders on tight bends. This stretch of road also attracts wildlife like kangaroos and wombats so riders need to be alert at dawn and dusk.

Guy Stanford, Chairman of the Motorcycle Council said: "Riding a motorcycle is a great experience and an enormous amount of fun, but there's also a serious side to motorcycling that needs to be remembered.

"Some people forget that riding can be mentally demanding and tiring, which can lead to fatigue and loss of concentration on the return leg of a big day out. Regular stops and plenty of water help you get home safely. Hazards such as potholes, rippled surfaces and loose gravel that may not be dangerous to cars are potential death traps unless riders remain alert," he said.

The Swann Insurance research also found that it costs more on average to repair bikes involved in accidents on Sundays and Saturdays, than other days of the week.

"A significant segment of people riding on Saturdays and Sundays are 'weekend warriors' – mature-aged men and women who ride motorcycles as a hobby. They tend to have greater disposable incomes and can afford more expensive bikes," Mr Reynolds said.

"It's great so many people are rediscovering the freedom and excitement of motorcycling and we want to encourage this. But, we also want to remind them to take extra care when they're traveling on their bikes."