About 50 per cent of NSW motorcyclists surveyed have had a near miss in the last three months, according to a recent survey by the Motorcycle Council of NSW.
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The survey was conducted as part of October's annual Motorcycle Awareness Month, with the 2021 theme 'Look Out For Motorcycles'.
More than 500 motorcycle riders from around the state - including some from Cessnock - were surveyed and asked if they had had any crashes or near misses, with 35 per cent saying they had a near miss once in every five rides, and 23 per cent having a near miss on one in ten rides.
"What we found interesting was that experience in motorcycle riding did not affect their occurrence of near misses," Motorcycle Council of NSW chair Kevin 'Trip' Henry said.
"Most of these riders surveyed (79 per cent) had over ten years riding."
Mr Henry said the survey received some great messages for drivers, including "be aware all the time, use mirrors, check blind spots, be patient, always do head checks, check all mirrors, not just rear view and know the road rules".
The motorcycle council is holding twice-a-week Zoom sessions throughout October to discuss common driver complaints and misunderstandings of motorcycling.
"'All drivers are welcome to join the Q&A session with a motorcyclist. This is an open discussion to enhance the message to look out for motorcyclists," Mr Henry said. Find out more at the MCC of NSW Facebook page.
Meanwhile, a new guide which showcases the most popular motorcycle rides in the Hunter region has been launched to coincide with the awareness month.
Motorcycling the Hunter is a joint effort by Cessnock, Maitland, MidCoast, Muswellbrook, Port Stephens, Singleton and Upper Hunter councils.
Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent said Motorcycling the Hunter is aimed at ensuring a motorcycle trip to the Hunter is both enjoyable and safe.
"The Hunter is home to some of the most popular motorcycling routes in NSW," he said.
"Sadly, in the five years 2015-2019, there were 1479 crashes with motorcycle involvement in the Hunter region.
"For over a decade, councils in the Hunter have actively worked with our communities to promote motorcycling and improve rider safety. This our third and most comprehensive publication."
Motorcycling the Hunter showcases the best routes in the Hunter and active motorcycle riders were heavily involved in development of this resource.
The printed publication will be distributed through visitor information centres, council offices, motorcycle outlets, with an online version available on participating council websites.
