MOTORCYCLISTS on NSW roads are at far greater risk of being killed in a crash than other motor vehicle users, according to the NSW Government’s Towards Zero campaign.
Motorcycle fatalities accounted for 20.7 per cent of all road fatalities and nearly 4,500 injuries in 2024 despite motorcycles making up only 3.7 per cent of registered motor vehicles.
This year alone,Transport for NSW Road fatalities statistics shows that motorcyclist and pedal cyclist fatalities in NSW stand at 186 males and 60 females for the year to date (January 1 to mid-September 2026), compared to 187 males and 53 females during the same period in 2025.
October is Motorcycle Awareness Month 2026 and this year’s focus is the everyday behaviours all vehicle users can adopt to help make NSW roads safer.
This road safety campaign was officially launched by the Motorcycle Council of NSW (MCCNSW) in Newcastle on Saturday, 19 September.
“Motorcycle Awareness Month, held throughout October, is an important opportunity to put motorcycle safety firmly at the forefront of the public agenda,” MCCNSW Chair Stephen Hopper said.
“Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. We all need to adopt behaviours to mitigate this vulnerability.
“Drivers and riders share the road, and we all make decisions every day that affect the safety of
the people around us.
“This year we’re focusing on behavioural change – encouraging motorists and riders to adopt
small, practical things they can do differently that can reduce risk.”
Mr Hopper said the 2026 campaign recognised that simply knowing motorcycles were on the
road was not enough.
“Awareness matters, but what really matters is what happens next – whether a driver makes
that extra check before turning or changing lanes, or whether a rider thinks carefully about their
position, visibility and the space around them.
“A head check before changing lanes is a life saver.
“Proper lane-positioning by a motorcycle rider helps them be seen.”
“We want the messages people see during Motorcycle Awareness Month to become instinctive
when they’re on the road and making those decisions.”
The 2026 campaign will speak directly to both motorists and motorcycle riders and will run
across NSW throughout October using digital and traditional media, community activities and
motorcycle events.
“You don’t have to ride a motorcycle to be part of Motorcycle Awareness Month. If you use the
road, this campaign is for you,” Mr Hopper said.
Transport for NSW is a key supporter of Motorcycle Awareness Month 2026.
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