Motorcycle deaths on the Sunshine Coast are tracking 33 per cent above the five-year average, prompting renewed calls for drivers to pay greater attention to riders on the road.
Four motorcyclists have died in the region this year, compared with a five-year average of three, according to figures from the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Across the broader North Coast Police Region, which includes Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Wide Bay regions, 15 motorcycle fatalities were recorded to October 12, 9.3 per cent above the five-year average.
The figure includes a 41-year-old motorcyclist killed in a recent collision with a truck at Noosaville.
The warning came during Motorcycle Awareness Month in October, with motorcycle fatalities accounting for more than one in four road deaths statewide.
Queensland figures to October 25 show 67 motorcyclists and passengers have died this year, up 11.7 per cent compared with the same period last year, despite an overall decline in the state’s road toll.
Sunshine Coast personal injury lawyer Greg Spinda, from Travis Schultz and Partners, said the figures were a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of motorcyclists.
His client, 66-year-old Witta resident Francis Pichelin, suffered multiple fractures and nerve damage when a vehicle allegedly pulled out in front of his motorcycle near Maleny last year, leaving him hospitalised for nearly three months and requiring ongoing treatment.
“I had a total shoulder reconstruction recently, and now I’m waiting to find out whether I’ll need surgery on my other shoulder as well,” Mr Pichelin said.
“At the beginning, I was very optimistic about my recovery, but it’s been 16 months of injuries, medical treatment and ongoing appointments, with no clear end in sight.
“I’d worked really hard and was getting to the stage where I was hoping to enjoy life. Instead, I’m facing years of recovery, financial strain and uncertainty about what comes next.”
An experienced motorcyclist who has been riding since he was 16, Mr Pichelin said he had experienced several close calls since the crash.
“I’m shocked that so many motorcyclists have lost their lives,” he said.
“I’ve had four close calls myself since my crash, including having to brake suddenly to avoid a truck. I’ve got all my lights on, but drivers still don’t seem to see me.”
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He said motorists and riders had a shared responsibility on the roads.
“Motorcyclists have a responsibility to ride safely too, but there are far too many drivers who just aren’t paying attention. People are still using their phones behind the wheel, and it’s putting lives at risk. Please stop, look up and see us.”
Mr Spinda said Motorcycle Awareness Month was an important reminder of the disproportionate risks faced by motorcyclists.
“Motorcycles represent only around five per cent of registered vehicles in Queensland, yet riders account for almost 28 per cent of road fatalities,” he said.
“That disparity is a stark reminder of just how vulnerable motorcyclists are on our roads.
“Riders are smaller, less visible and far more exposed than other road users, which means drivers need to be actively looking for them every time they approach an intersection, merge, turn or change lanes.
“Even a split-second lapse in concentration can permanently change someone’s life and mean years of consequences.
“For the four motorcyclists who have lost their lives on the Sunshine Coast this year… their families are left facing a loss that can never be undone.
“Every one of these tragedies is a reminder of just how much is at stake when we share the road.”
