Police will be showing support for a Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day planned for Palmerston North on Friday (12 February) and are hoping to raise awareness of road safety issues.
The event has been organised by the Motor Trade Association following similar success events in Wellington and Gisborne.
The aim is for the increasing numbers of motorcycle and scooter commuters to celebrate their chosen form of transport and help promote safer riding practices.
A recent New Zealand study showed that the single most common cause (41%) or all motorcycle collisions involve vehicles pulling out in from of them. In Central District during 2009 seven motorcyclists and one moped rider were killed on the roads. One motorcyclist has already been killed this year in the District.
Although safety is the prime message the event also serves to promote the economic and environmental benefits of motorcycling.
From 7am until 9am, around 100 commuters are expected to congregate in The Square to indulge in some camaraderie, find out about clubs in the area and get information on rider training. Local officers will be on hand to offer road safety advice and answer questions.
Highway Patrol Sergeant Chris Fraser said: "This event is a great opportunity for us to interact with local riders and promote the safety messages around appropriate equipment and training. We want to encourage rider training to motorcyclists, for instance, mature riders who have reached a point in their lives where they have the income to invest in a bike, but they haven't ridden since they were much younger. We are hopeful that this event can help those and other riders to experience the joy of motorbikes and scooters and stay safer on our roads."
MTA media enquiries should be referred to Ana Zandi, Web and Communications Manager on 04 381 8839 or 027 297 3993.
Police media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.