Motorcyclists around the country are preparing to take part in what is hoped will be the largest ever online gathering of riders in New Zealand.

The 2022 edition of the Shiny Side Up motorcycle safety event, run by ACC and Waka Kotahi, will be held online this year because of Covid-19 restrictions.

To mark the 2022 event, organisers are hoping to attract more than 2000 riders to the annual bike fest and talk series, creating the largest ever online event for riders in New Zealand.

The event aims to bring together New Zealand's diverse motorcycle community with a focus on safe riding, especially among recreational riders.

ACC claims for motorcycle-related injuries have increased over the past five years, from 7129 in 2017 to almost 7800 last year.

In 2021, the cost of supporting people with motorcycle-related injuries reached $125.9 million, up from $105.8m in 2017.

ACC is one of several agencies behind the recently announced Road to Zero campaign, which sets a target of zero road deaths and serious injuries in Aotearoa by 2050 and a 40 per cent reduction by 2030.

The agency is also offering a $200 cash back on motorcycle registrations for eligible riders who complete the ACC Ride Forever Gold course before June 2023.

Motorcyclists make up just three per cent of motor vehicles on the road, yet in 2018 made up 20 per cent of the cost of road crashes.

ACC data shows that people who have completed a Ride Forever course are 27 per cent less likely to lodge a claim for a motorcycle-related injury.

The full-day Shiny Side Up event on April 10 will promote things like rider skills, the use of full protective gear, and emerging safety technologies.

This year will also feature live demonstrations and mechanics workshops including tips on basic bike maintenance, a slow rider course, and how to correctly pick up a fallen bike.

'Our well-known, respected personalities and experts will empower riders with their knowledge and experiences via online demos, presentations and mechanics workshops,” says ACC's Ride Forever injury prevention leader David Keilty.

'It's a great opportunity for riders to learn from the experts and get some tips on technique, set-up, and all types of riding.

'It will be informative and fun with plenty to see and take in, and the opportunity to win some fantastic prizes.”

One of the guest speakers this year is Amber Uhrle, also known as Chaotic Blonde, a competitive and recreational rider with a website dedicated to providing advice for fellow female riders.

Uhrle was part of New Zealand's first ever ladies' only group at the Kawasaki NZ Track Day in Hampton Downs in 2020. It was there she noticed there was 'a gap for us girls”.

'I've gone on from there to focus on safety in terms of ‘dressing for the slide and not the ride', plus helping distributors understand more about ladies' gear and our unique fit,” Uhrle says.

Uhrle was involved in a nasty accident herself when she drove into the back of a van at an intersection in Auckland in July last year.

She was knocked unconscious and suffered concussion and a dislodged pelvis.

Uhrle says the accident was entirely her fault and was a reminder that 'you are never too experienced to stop learning”.

Other speakers include Avalon Biddle, the only female rider to win the New Zealand SuperSport 600cc Championship; former English racer Carl 'Foggy” Fogarty, MBE, one of the most successful Superbike racers of all time; and UK-based survival skills rider trainer Kevin Williams.

Also speaking will be Sergeant Peter Sowter from the Wellington Police Serious Crash Unit; and Australian-based scientist Dr Chris Hurren, who specialises in protective motorcycle clothing.

For more information on Shiny Side Up, visit https://shinysideup.co.nz/.

Information about the Ride Forever cash back offer can be found at https://www.rideforever.co.nz/cashback