Two years ago, Steve Davies went on a full day motorbike ride around the lower North Island with some mates – and was lucky to survive a serious crash.
It was raining, conditions were difficult, and Davies was the tail-end Charlie with six bikes ahead of him as they headed towards Hunterville on the rural back roads.
After coming around a left-hand corner, he could see a patch of slippery tar bleed ahead, he tried to avoid the worst of it, but his bike slid from underneath him.
“The next thing I knew I was on the ground still holding the bars on the bike as the bike slid across the road,” Davies said.
His collarbone was broken into three pieces, he snapped six ribs, and his right lung had collapsed.
“The wife… she had to receive that phone call from my friend saying look he’s OK but… and of course, she didn’t appreciate,” he said.
Every year around 50% of motorcycle riders deregister and put their bikes away over the winter months, then bring them back out in spring.
ACC was trying to get riders prepared for the road again as September marked motorcycle awareness month, a time of an increase in motorbike-related injuries.
In 2024, ACC covered 4739 motorbike-related injuries at a cost of $150,000,000.
“That was the biggest year in the last five years and we’re really hoping it comes down and that more people are safe out there,” ACC Prevention Leader James Whitaker said.
Last year, 53 motorcyclists died on our roads.
“Check its brakes, its tyres, its lights, everything, make sure it’s fit for purpose before you hop on and go for a ride, the second thing you’ve got to check is check your gear, is it all up to scratch is it all safe,” Whitaker said.
On the day of his crash, Davies was wearing full protective gear.
“I know, without a doubt, it helped to minimise the extent of my injuries,” he said.
He urged other motorcyclists to take the time to check gear, upskill and increase awareness.
“If you’re coming back to your bike after not riding for a couple months, bikes can be rusty, and skills can be rusty.”
The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including new anti-gang powers for Manawatū police, Kim Jong Un’s surprise guest, and Donald Trump fires back at rumours about his health. (Source: 1News)
