Motorcycle Awareness Month 2025

What is Motorcycle Awareness Month?

Motorcycle Awareness Month (MAM) was launched after riders at Ride Forever noticed a worrying trend in the 2017 crash stats. Each year, September marks the seasonal return of over half of New Zealand’s riders to the roads after winter. More bikes on the road means an increased likelihood of crashes, injuries, ACC claims, and a higher risk of fatalities.

MAM is about building awareness:

among riders about how to prepare to get back on the bike after a break
among drivers that more bikes are back on the road
for everyone – it’s a celebration of the riding community and a call to ride safe, ride smart and sharpen your skills with a Ride Forever course.

Who is behind MAM?

Motorcycle Awareness Month is a nationwide initiative supported by:

ACC
Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council (MSAC)
NZ Police
NZ Transport Agency – Waka Kotahi
Local councils, dealerships, gear retailers and bike clubs across New Zealand.

But the real power of MAM comes from the riders themselves.

Every time you share a poster, show up in yellow, or speak up for safety — you’re making a difference.

Why it matters

Motorcyclists face significantly higher risks on the road.

Motorcyclists are 21 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in road crashes than those travelling the same distance by car.
Each year around 50 riders and pillions lose their lives in fatal crashes
Injury crashes spike during the warmer months (October to March)
Though motorcycles make up 5% of vehicles on NZ roads they're involved in 13% of accidents and account for 20% of ACC road claims costs.

How can you get involved?

Wear yellow

Yellow is the official colour of MAM. Increase your visibility on the road all while showing your support of MAM by wearing some yellow on your gear or on your bike.