Off-road motorbike riders account for half of all motorcyclists admitted to hospital with serious crash injuries, but very little is known about this group of bike riders, a Queensland University of Technology accident researcher said.
Researcher Dale Steinhardt, at QUT's Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland (CARRS-Q), is looking for off-road motorcyclists in North Queensland to voice their opinions and experiences for an off-road safety study.
"Because off-road riders aren't legally required to be licensed, we don't even know how many off-road riders there are in Queensland," Mr Steinhardt said.
"Recently there's been a spate of off-road accidents in North Queensland, some resulting in serious injury for riders.
"What we currently know is based on hospital records, so we don't know how many people have been injured and patched themselves up.
"What we also know is that people love riding and its popularity is growing fast, so we want to find out, from the rider's point of view, what they think would improve off-road riding conditions for them. "
Mr Steinhardt said the study was inspired by the recent Rural and Remote Road Safety Study conducted by QUT in North Queensland, which indicated more research was needed to improve the safety of off-road riders.
"There are a significant proportion of people riding in North Queensland, and this study will provide a voice for them," he said.
Mr Steinhardt said he was looking for people in the Cairns and Townsville areas who rode in off-road situations, whether on a farm or for recreation, to participate in focus groups early this year.
Off-road riders interested in sharing their point of view can contact Dale Steinhardt on 3138 4922 or email d.steinhardt@qut.edu.au.
Study participants would be reimbursed $15 for their time.
The results are expected to be released about May.
Mr Steinhardt is also part of QUT's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI).
Media contact: Rachael Wilson, QUT media officer, 07 3138 1150 or rachael.wilson@qut.edu.au
**High res image of Dale Steinhardt available
