Smart riders aided by online program

24 Aug 2012

MEDIA RELEASE: 24 August 2012

A new online rider training program will help reduce road trauma by improving the skills of new motorcyclists before they hit the road.

Ride Smart, developed by the TAC with the help of experienced motorcycle trainers and other experts, provides training on a range of motorcycling skills such as hazard perception and decision making. 

Rider deaths are down 24 per cent on last year, with 25 fatalities year to date compared to 33 at the same time last year.

TAC CEO Janet Dore said it was pleasing to see the reduction in rider fatalities and praised those riders who did the right thing by riding within the law and for the conditions.

"Ride Smart can help up-skill new riders and refresh the skills of those who haven’t ridden for a while," she said.

A previous version of Ride Smart was available as a CD ROM and was the first product of its kind in the world.

"This online program offers benefits to new and experienced riders with refresher courses and common hazard awareness training," Ms Dore said.

The release of Ride Smart online comes as motorcyclists across the state prepare for the peak riding season.

"As the weather slowly improves we know there will be more riders on the roads and we encourage all of those who may not have ridden for a while to make the most of Ride Smart."

To develop Ride Smart, the TAC consulted with motorcycle riders, riding experts and road safety agencies.

 "Motorcyclists are among our most vulnerable road users and Ride Smart provides another way riders can help protect themselves on the roads," Ms Dore said.

Ride Smart online adds to a range of initiatives the TAC has developed to help improve rider safety.

"In addition to our recent Reconstruction campaign, the TAC has developed campaigns to educate all road users about motorcycle safety such as the Vice Versa campaign," Ms Dore said.

The new Ride Smart exercises aim to:

• Address common types of motorcycle crashes
• Address the risks posed by other road users not giving way to motorcyclists
• Provide experience of night and wet weather conditions
• Provide scooter contexts, and
• Show positive head checks, especially when changing lanes. 

The new online version also offers prize draws, rewards and a Hall of Fame.

Ride Smart is free to all Victorian motorcycle permit or licence holders.

The program can be accessed online at Ridesmartonline.com.au