Unfortunately, it is also the time of year when the number of motorcycle-related injuries peak - particularly in Otago and Southland where the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) accepted 276 motorcycle-related injuries in 2024, costing the taxpayer $8.2 million to help people recover.
Nationwide in 2024, ACC accepted 4739 motorbike-related injuries at a cost of $150m to help people recover.
In 2025, 440 motorcycle-related claims were accepted in January, a further 513 in February and 489 claims in March.
ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said these were the highest claims per month for the year, and the 2024 statistics were the highest number of injuries and the highest cost in the past five years.
ACC is urging riders to be more vigilant on the road this summer.
"Summer is a great time of year and we want motorbike riders to celebrate their love of riding and get back on the open road.
"But as you get back on the bike, make sure you’re ready to get the most out of your time."
Ministry of Transport data shows there were 292 deaths on our roads in 2024 and 53 of those fatalities were motorcyclists.
Mr Whitaker said motorbike riders and car drivers were both responsible for reducing motorcycle fatalities and injuries.
"We can all do a lot better."
He said riders needed to make sure their riding gear and bikes were in good condition before hitting the roads, while car drivers needed to keep an eye out for the increased number of motorcyclists on the roads — particularly at intersections.
Car drivers are at fault in 90% of crashes between cars and motorbikes at urban intersections, Ministry of Transport figures show.
"We’ve all got to be more aware of the dangers at intersections," Mr Whitaker said.
"When you’re sitting at an intersection, look again for motorcyclists — not just your gap.
"Check your blind spots too."
Motorcyclists were 21 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in road crashes than those travelling the same distance by car, he said.
Although motorcycles made up only 5% of vehicles on New Zealand roads, they were involved in 13% of accidents, and accounted for 20% of ACC road claims costs, he said.
"We know that when a person has a motorcycle crash, the consequences can be devastating.
"Every summer, we see far too many accidents and deaths on our roads ... we are hoping that people are mindful of risk and can return home safe and injury free."
He encouraged all motorcyclists to complete a Ride Forever course.
Taking at least one course reduced the incidence of having a crash by 27% and the associated claims cost by 45%, he said.
