Fatal appeal

Riding ‘‘The Forgotten World Highway’’ (SH43) on a motorcycle to the Whangamomona Hotel on a sunny day is a popular pursuit. I recently counted more than 25 bikes parked outside the Whanga Pub, a testimony to the pleasures motorcycle touring. Interestingly, on SH43 (just out of Stratford) there’s a huge warning sign (red lettering on yellow) which says: ‘‘High Motor Bike Crash Route.’’

I am not the fun police, but of the 20 motorcyclists that whizzed past me, at least ten were riding dangerously. According to ACC (and the Ministry of Transport) motorcyclists make up only 3 per cent of vehicles in NZ but account for 16 per cent of severe injuries. Furthermore, motorcyclists are 21 times more likely to be killed than other motorists. It’s salutary to remind motorcyclists that they are heavily subsidised by other motorists (with respect to the cost of their licences). For example, if a rider a 600cc (or above) motorbike was charged a licence fee based on the annual costs of motorcycle accidents per year in NZ, they would be paying $2,114 instead of the current $422.18. I can see the appeal of SH43 for a biker. There is little traffic and accelerating past cars and into the curves of the highway would be thrilling. But sadly there is no margin for error. And this stretch of road remains the most hazardous for bikers in Taranaki. Maybe it’s time for NZTA (and the Stratford District Council) to erect more warning signs to curb speeding. Sobering messages such as: 52 motorcyclists killed last year in NZ. Or eight motorcyclists killed on SH43 in the last ten years. As a last resort, white crosses could even be strategically placed at the start of the saddles.

Bryan Vickery

New Plymouth