NEW barriers designed to reduce injuries to motorcyclists who crash are being installed on local roads popular with riders.
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The motorcycle safety rail will be fitted to existing steel crash barriers on Moss Vale Road between Nowra and Fitzroy Falls.
The rail is designed to fill the gap under existing rails to the ground stopping a sliding motorcyclist from hitting the steel posts that support the rail.
The work is being done under the Safer Roads Program this financial year.
The Centre for Road Safety is investing $3 million for the 2013/14 Motorcycle Safety Infrastructure Program and $2 million for the 2013/14 Pedestrian Safety Infra-structure Program.
Centre for Road Safety general manager Marg Prendergast said the number of motorcycles on the road was increasing, with a 35 per cent increase in motorcycle registrations over the past five years.
“Motorcycle crashes have increased from 20 per cent of fatal crashes in the first nine months of 2013 to 30 per cent of fatal crashes in October and November.
“This is why we are renewing our focus on motorcyclists,” Ms Prendergast said.
“Roadside objects pose a huge threat to riders in the event of a crash and there are things that can be done to minimise the risk of crashes and injuries resulting from crashes that involve motorcyclists,” Ms Prender-gast said.
The improvements to safety for motorcyclists will include better signage as well as new road and pavement markings and better guideposts and reflectors.