If you have recently returned to motorcycle riding after a break of five years or more and would like to make a contribution to the study of motorcycle safety, then Monash University and HART want to hear from you.

The Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) and Honda Australia Rider Training (HART) are 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 an on-road ride, a simulator ride and an on-range ride, and is being funded by the TAC’s compulsory motorcycle registration levy. Participants who qualify will be reimbursed $70 for their time.

According to a statement from Honda, a returning rider is someone who:
* Used to ride and covered no less than 20,000 kms 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 and 1000 kms in that period.

Participants must wear appropriate protective clothing during the riding segments, have their own registered and roadworthy motorcycle and hold a full motorcycle licence.

According to MUARC’s Christine Mulvhill, the number of older riders killed and seriously injured in crashes has increased in recent years while the number of younger rider fatalities and serious injuries has decreased.

“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,” she said.

“Previous research has suggested that the pattern of riding by returning riders may be contributing to the changing crash trend. What we mean by that is returning riders commonly ride motorcycles with a high engine capacity (e.g. over 750cc) and own a motorcycle that is of a larger capacity than they did in the past.

“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 on (03) 9270 1377.