A 60-page guide called Motorcycling the New England has been produced by Transport for NSW, aiming to raise awareness around motorcycle safety in the region and improve rider experiences.
The New England area is one of the most popular places in New South Wales for motorcyclists to ride, but it is also one with a high crash rate.
Between 2019 and 2023 in New England, there were 325 motorcycle crashes reported resulting in 20 fatal crashes, and more than 170 serious injury crashes.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the comprehensive guide was an expansion of the award winning ‘Motorcycling the Hunter’ guide previously developed through the Local Government Road Safety Program.
“The New England boasts some of the state’s most picturesque rides – encompassing the plateaus of the Northern Tablelands across ranges, through waterfalls and gorges to the sprawling plains,” the spokesperson said.
“Transport staff spoke with local riders to map their favourite routes to produce a guide that combines popular rides with tourism information and an emphasis on road safety.
“Highlights of the guide feature downloadable GPX map files, current first aid for motorcyclists , communication options when mobile services are out of range, and advice for riding in New England’s ever-changing weather conditions.”
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In December 2024, both the Federal and State governments invested $4.8 million each for works to begin on the New England Highway.
Safety features on this project include extending the length of the existing southbound overtaking lanes by about 350 metres, widening the highway to provide two 3.5-metre-wide travel lanes, wide centreline treatment and two 1.5-metre-wide sealed shoulders.
A wide centreline treatment increases the separation distance between oncoming vehicles, reducing the risk of head-on collisions.
The intersection with Puddledock Road will be upgraded to allow a separate right turn into Puddledock Road, improving the efficiency and safety of the intersection.
Work will also involve strengthening and repairing the existing road sealing, new line markings, road safety barriers and raised road markers, improving and extending drainage, and maintenance of roadside signage.
The improvement works are delivered part of the Federal Government’s Road Safety Program, due for completion by the end of March.
The guide was launched at the Ulysses National Rally in Armidale on 27 March.
Riders can pick up a hard copy local visitor information centres or by downloading the brochure.
For more information, visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/
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