Get your motor running: Kickstart on this Sunday

Up to 3000 motorcyclists will head to Canterbury Agricultural Park this Sunday for the city’s annual motorcycle event.

Kickstart pulls together experts in safety, riding skills and techniques, gear and user groups for a four hour ‘breakfast’ event aimed at upskilling motorcycle riders.

Motorcycle safety will be in the spotlight at Kickstart.

Christchurch City Council Transport Operations Manager Steffan Thomas said two of the main causes of crashes were bikers losing control, and simply not being seen by other motorists.

“We know that the risk of being killed or injured in road crashes is 21 times higher for motorcyclists than for car drivers, so it is vital that we work with riders to improve their skills, their gear and their understanding of their position on the road.

“Kickstart is a great opportunity for bikers in Canterbury, and perhaps further afield, to get together, enjoy the camaraderie and see what’s new in gear, bikes, safety and riding techniques,” Mr Thomas said.

With around 12,000 registered motorcycles in the region, and many people dusting off their bikes for a Spring ride, Mr Thomas said the event was the perfect opportunity to refresh their skills.

“This is the fifth year the event has been held and due to the increase in numbers, with over 1500 bikers attending last year, Kickstart has had to move to the A&P Show Grounds. There will be something for everyone.”

Kickstart, which has been jointly organised by Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council, Waimakariri Council, ACC and the Police, will feature dealer displays with some of the latest bikes and safety gear; static displays of motorcycles; riding demonstrations; bike ‘health’ checks; and BBQ food for a gold coin donation.

Canterbury Road Policing Manager Inspector Al Stewart said the warmer Spring weather often brought out riders who had not been on their bikes for a while.

“Traditionally this time of year sees a big increase in the numbers of motorcycles on the roads. Often the bikes have been shut away and the riders have not been out since last Summer. We want to encourage them to have their bike checked, make sure their gear is up to safety standards and perhaps most of all, have their riding skills and knowledge tested.”

Kickstart will be held at the Canterbury Agricultural Park on Sunday October 2, from 9am til 1pm. It is open to all riders, but those who have registered prior to the event go in the draw to win one of 10 Motorcycle Training Day Courses.

Find out more.