New Zealand, Bikers targeted in Coromandel blitz

OFF THE WIRE
Sun, 17 Oct 2010 6:36p.m.
By Emma Joliff

"Born again Bikers" were being targeted in the Coromandel today.

Waikato police say one in five fatal motorcycle crashes in the region happen in the Coromandel.

They often involve men aged 30 to 50 who have rekindled their love for bikes but underestimate the power of modern bikes and the slowing down of their own reactions.

Despite the rain, bikers pulled over at "Operation up right" checkpoints today were brimming with enthusiasm for the rush of riding a bike in the Coromandel.

“Scenery is out of this world, best motorcycling route in New Zealand,” one said.

“Can't beat the Coromandel for the windies, particularly on these bikes it's awesome,” said another.

Of the 56 bikers pulled over, 19 were found to be non-compliant or have sub-standard vehicles.

“Chances are if you're going to come off your motorcycle in New Zealand it's going to be on these roads and they demand respect,” says ‘Penno’.

Motorcyclists are 16 times more likely to be involved in a crash than other motorists.

Today's campaign was a joint operation by police, NZTA, ACC and the local council. “Our main target audience today are those returning riders, so they've perhaps ridden when they're young and are coming back to riding now,” says Lisa Taylor of the ACC Prevention Centre.

“Make sure their skill level is up to date, know how to handle their bike and know their bike.”

Police say those at risk fall into two clear age groups: 30-50 year olds and 15-25 year olds.

And the message was simple:

“Wear good protective gear, keep your bikes legal, in good working condition, and just obey the rules,” says senior constable Gardner.

Crash victims in the Coromandel are mostly likely to be local or from Auckland.

Police say motorcyclists were happy to cooperate with the campaign.

“We do our best to keep ourselves safe and that's what it's all about,” one biker said.

The Coromandel checkpoints will be run periodically over the summer.