Motorcycling enthusiasts across Port Stephens and the Hunter are set to benefit from a new online guide showcasing the most popular rides in the region and tips on navigating the roads safely.
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The popular Motorcycling the Hunter publication was updated last year with new maps, road safety messages and tips to address the common crash types in the region.
"The Hunter is home to some of the most popular motorcycling routes in NSW," Port Stephens Council's road safety and traffic officer, Lisa Lovegrove, said.
"In the five years to September 2018 there were 508 motorcycle crashes in the Hunter council areas of Port Stephens, Maitland, Cessnock, Dungog and MidCoast.
"We produced Motorcycling the Hunter to support motorcycling, showcase the best routes in the Hunter and promote safety for all riders."
Motorcycling the Hunter was first released in 2004. An updated version of the guide was released in October 2018. The online version of the guide went live this month.
Ms Lovegrove project managed the revamp of the guide on behalf of Cessnock, Dungog, Maitland, Mid Coast and Port Stephens councils.
The updated guide features new road safety messages and tips for motorcycle riders covering safe following distances, group riding, buffering and cornering.
These tips aim to upskill all riders by supplying them with the most up-to-date information on aspects of riding that have caused problems in the past.
The tips on cornering address the number one common cause of motorcycle crashes in the region.
There are also tips for riders that address the second most common crash type - on road, out of control - and the third, which is crashes at intersections.
Dave Tynan, who has been riding motorcycles for 50 years and runs Survive the Ride workshops, said the new guide was "very good".
"It has some great tips in it but the location and route information is great. Even if you're a local, you'll find some great ride information in it," he said.
"The guide isn't just about being safe, but enjoying the ride.
"Most riders do a good job of being safe but there's always the little areas that can be improved to avoid frights."
Ms Lovegrove said that since the physical guide was launched, more than 5000 copies had been picked up by the motorcycling community.
"Active motorcycle riders have been heavily involved in creating this publication, and they told us they wanted to be able to easily access routes wherever they may be," Ms Lovegrove said.
"We hope the launch of the online version will allow even more riders to safely enjoy motorcycling across our region.
"We're particularly keen to expand online information on routes into the Upper Hunter areas of Scone, Singleton and Muswellbrook as well as Newcastle and Lake Macquarie."
The guide can be downloaded from each of the Port Stephens, Maitland, Cessnock, Dungog and MidCoast councils websites.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
