The purpose of these guidelines is to help reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities by providing practical guidance on how to manage various two-wheeled motorbike hazards.

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Safe Use of Two-Wheeled Motorbikes on Farms (PDF 2.7 MB)

Summary

Key points

• Riders must be trained/experienced enough to do the job
• Choose the right vehicle for the job
• Always wear a helmet
• Don’t allow children to ride adult-sized farm bikes

01 / Introduction

This publication identifies potential hazards of riding a two-wheeled motorbike and gives practical advice on how to reduce and prevent accidents on farms.

1.1 Purpose

WorkSafe NZ accepts the recommendations in this guide as current industry best practice. They will help you comply with the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 (the HSE Act).

A lot of on-farm injuries involve two-wheeled bikes. The common causes are:

• not riding to the conditions
• not paying attention to the terrain
• inexperience.

1.2 Scope

This guide applies to farmers, farm employers, farm employees, contractors (and those who hire them – principals), health and safety advisers, representatives and consultants – anyone riding a two-wheeled motorbike on a farm.

1.3 Development

Industry experts helped WorkSafe NZ develop this guide. WorkSafe NZ also conducted a thorough review of accident statistics and published academic literature, and looked at how overseas health and safety regulators manage the same issues.

WorkSafe NZ has taken every effort to make sure the guide’s recommended hazard controls reflect current best practice.

02 / Hazards and controls

The most common hazards faced by two-wheeled motorbike users on farms are set out on the following pages. Guidance is provided about ways to effectively control these hazards.

2.1 Is a two-wheeled bike the right vehicle for the job?

You can manage farm bike hazards by making sure you’re using the right vehicle for the job. For example, a side-by-side is better for carrying loads, and a ute is better for taking passengers around the farm.

When you’re looking to buy a new vehicle, the supplier can help with advice on the best one to meet your needs.

Picking the right vehicle for the job doesn’t mean buying a fleet of expensive vehicles. But it’s important to look at each farm task as it needs to be done, and think carefully about whether the bike is the right tool before heading off.

Refer to the right vehicle for the job chart on page 18 for more information.

2.2 Unfamiliarity with the bike

When you are familiar with a bike, you know when something is wrong and how to fix it.

It is important you know how your bike works before you ride it. Not all bikes are the same and it can take time to get a “feel” for a bike you haven’t ridden before. If you haven’t ridden a bike for a while, its condition may have changed since you last rode it. Ensure that the bike used for the job is suitable for the rider. Take into account the size and the power of the vehicle.

Managing the hazard:

Before starting the bike, check the following (refer to Figure 1):

1. Check the cables for kinks or broken strands. Lubricate the cables.

2. Make sure your tyres are in good condition. Check the following features:

   • Air pressure: the bike won’t handle properly if the air pressure is too low or too high. This affects braking and steering. Check your owner’s manual for the correct tyre pressure – incorrect tyre pressure contributes to bike crashes.
   • Worn or uneven tread: this affects the bike’s handling and makes it harder to control on slippery or uneven surfaces.
   • Cuts, nails stuck in the tread and cracks in the sidewalls. A tyre blowout is extremely dangerous.
3. Check all light bulbs are working and the lenses are clean.
4. Check the drive chain or belt for lubrication, wear and adjustment. Your owner’s manual will explain how to correctly adjust these.

5. If your bike has mirrors:

   • Clean and adjust them before you start. It’s dangerous to ride with one hand while adjusting a mirror.
   • Adjust them outward to see around your own body. When riding on the road, you should see about half of the lane behind and as much as possible of the lane next to you.
6. Check your bike’s owner’s manual for the right types of fuel and oil. Make sure they are at the correct levels before you start riding – your engine will seize without oil. This could lock up your rear wheel and make you lose control.

After you’ve started the bike, check the following (refer to Figure 1):

7. Try the front and rear brakes one at a time. Make sure each brake, when applied, holds the bike.
8. Make sure clutch and throttle controls work smoothly.
9. Make sure you can operate hand and foot controls when you sit comfortably on the bike.
10. Try your dip switch to make sure both high and low beams work.
11. If your bike has a hazard light switch, check that it works.
12. Try each brake control and make sure each one flashes your brake light.
13. Check that your horn works.
14. Running out of petrol can be dangerous, especially if you can’t get off the road quickly. Know the fuel tap’s position and operation. Don’t ride long distances with the fuel tap on ‘reserve’. Only use the reserve tank to go back and refuel.

Riders must know about the best routes to take, no-go zones, when to use the bike for farm tasks and when to use other vehicles.

2.3 Loss of control (causing a crash or fall)

Many farms around New Zealand use two-wheeled bikes, often where the terrain is difficult.  Very steep, rough, slippery or loose ground can be inaccessible for two-wheeled bikes unless there are well-formed tracks.  Riders can lose control and crash in poor ground conditions.

Race tape, wire, irrigation pipes and other stationary objects are also hazardous. Riders can hit them and come off the bike; hitting the ground, another object or the bike itself.

Managing the hazard:

Good riding techniques

Smooth clutch operation, gear changing and braking are the keys to skilful riding. Avoid sudden braking or steering.

• Place feet firmly on the footrests when moving. Only put them down when you stop.
• Keep your feet horizontal on the footrests with toes pointed straight to avoid hitting the ground.
• Keep elbows away from the body for strength, and keep arms bent to act as shock absorbers.
• To help balance the bike, press your knees against the petrol tank.

Active riding uses balance and body position to influence stability and performance when cornering and riding on a slope.

Keep your feet horizontal on the footrests to keep the bike stable. Taking one foot off the footrest will unbalance the bike. This can make the bike slide or fall. Balancing on the footrests improves all parts of riding and is an essential part of good riding technique.

When riding on steep or rough ground you must move and use your bodyweight to stabilise the bike. Do this while standing with your knees bent and your weight on the footrests.

When riding uphill:

• Pick the best line on the terrain.
• Select the gear before beginning the climb – a low gear is probably better.
• Stand on the footrests, bend your legs and put some weight on the handlebars with your arms. This helps with better tyre grip and balance. The steeper the slope, the more you have to lean forward onto the handlebars.
• Control the throttle to minimise wheel spin. Avoid sudden acceleration – it can make the bike rear up or flip over.
• If you have to stop when going uphill, put down your left foot, pull in the clutch and apply the rear brake.

When riding downhill:

• Choose second or third gear – never first. This stops the rear wheel from locking up and sliding.
• Stand on the footrests and move your body backwards so your weight helps keep the bike stable and allows for better braking.
• Apply enough front brake to hold the bike at a constant safe speed. Apply the back brake to stop the rear wheel moving out of line.
• If the rear wheel begins to slide, briefly release the rear brake to bring the slide under control. If the slide continues, briefly open the throttle to regain control.
• If you can’t control the slide, firmly apply the rear brake and slide the bike to the ground against the hillside.
• If you need to stop or slow down, use the front brake more than the rear if traction allows.

When riding across a slope:

• Lean the bike towards the slope and press hard on the outside (downhill) footrest. This keeps the weight on top of the tyre tread for better traction.

When riding on slippery ground:

• Always ride smoothly, avoiding hard braking or acceleration.
• A steady, open throttle in gear keeps the bike in more control.
• Make turns as wide as possible to keep momentum.
• When braking, use both brakes smoothly and a bit at a time, with more emphasis on the front brake.
• Brake before cornering to avoid loss of control.

When riding on rough ground:

• Stand with your knees slightly bent and balance on the footrests.

Where necessary, use fluorescent tape or flags to make them easier to see for riders. Also note these hazards on farm maps.

If you don’t wear a helmet, you significantly increase the chances of having a head injury.

The helmet must be well-fitting, securely fastened and kept in good condition (follow the manufacturer’s care and maintenance instructions).

Riders can wear quad bike helmets if the bike is used at speeds under 30km/h. The helmet must meet NZS 8600. However, if the bike is used at speeds over 30km/h the helmet must meet NZS 5430 or AS 1698.

You should always wear boots while riding a motorbike. Depending on the conditions, you should also consider wearing the following: clothing that covers arms and legs (to protect your skin if you fall off and slide), gloves and eye protection (goggles). You may need to wear high-visibility gear sometimes.

See the New Zealand Transport Agency’s (NZTA) recommendations for riding a motorbike on the road(external link)

2.4 Carrying passengers

Bikes become unbalanced and harder to control when a passenger’s weight is added. It raises the bike’s centre of gravity and makes it harder to use active riding techniques because the rider and passenger have to work together.

Managing the hazard:

• Make sure there are proper pillion passenger footrests attached to the bike and they are in good condition.
• The passenger should hold onto the rider’s waist and sit close to the rider.
• The passenger should lean with the rider when cornering to keep balance.
• The rider should allow for the passenger’s extra weight, ie stopping distances increase with extra weight.
• The pillion passenger must wear a helmet.

2.5 Multi-tasking

Riding a farm bike while doing something else at the same time (eg mustering or doing a lambing beat) poses hazards. This is because the rider’s attention is divided; focusing on the livestock rather than the ground they are riding over. The rider may not be aware of unexpected surface changes until it’s too late and they have lost control of the bike. Falls from the bike, particularly at speed, can cause serious injuries or death.

Managing the hazard:

If multi-tasking is necessary, it might be better to use another vehicle. Two-wheeled bikes need your full attention to balance and control.

When mustering, work out the route before you start. Open the gates and work out where you should be on guard – places where stock are likely to break away or there are obstacles.

2.6 Carrying loads

Carrying loads on two-wheeled bikes is risky because they change the bike’s width and make it hard to lean when cornering. The extra weight alters the centre of gravity, making it harder to control and making braking distances longer.

Managing the hazard:

If you must carry gear, another vehicle would be better for the job. Think about using a side- by-side or ute instead.

If you have to carry gear on a two-wheeler:

• Use the front and rear carriers, if provided (refer to Figure 3).
• Secure the load well.
• Allow for the load’s extra width.
• Don’t exceed the load-carrying capacity – follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

If you are thinking about adding panniers to the bike (refer to Figure 4), check the manufacturer’s recommendations first.

2.7 Towing

Towing a trailer affects the bike’s handling, braking and stability. You could lose control of the bike if you jack-knife, lose traction or fall over.

Managing the hazard:

Consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for both the bike and trailer to see if they are safe and designed to be used together. 

If you need to tow a trailer, consider using a more suitable vehicle instead. 

2.8 Working alone and in isolation

Working alone is a common hazard in farm work, and isn’t just restricted to bike use.

If a farmer has an accident while working alone in a remote part of the farm, it could take a long time for help to arrive. Sometimes, people die because medical help did not arrive in time.

Managing the hazard:

It is important to have a way of raising the alarm if you are hurt, like a mobile phone or emergency beacon. Some mobile phones have built-in GPS and they can communicate your location. You can even download applications (apps) to smart phones so you can track several phones at once, in real time.

Work out an emergency plan with workers and family members so they know what to do if something goes wrong.

2.9 Personal factors

Sometimes stress, fatigue or a driver’s attitude (eg over-confidence or recklessness), drugs or alcohol can impair riders. These can cause poor judgement, reduced balance, co-ordination and reaction times – greatly increasing the risk of injury or death. 

Managing the hazard:

• As a rider, be responsible and let someone know if you’re not up to the job for any reason.
• As an employer, make sure riders know about bike hazards and how their own behaviour and attitudes influence them.
• Reassess tasks and work out alternatives if stress and fatigue are an issue.

2.10 Unauthorised access to the bike

It can be hazardous if someone rides the bike without the owner knowing or giving permission.

Unattended bikes might tempt untrained riders or people not used to bikes or the farm – whether they are visitors, children or workers.

Managing the hazard:

By law, employers and other workers have to do everything practical to prevent unsafe driving practices on the farm. If this doesn’t happen, the employer or employee could go to court and get fined for letting dangerous work happen.

2.11 Riding on the road

Riding on the road means dealing with other fast moving vehicles. When riding on the road you’re also generally moving at higher speed, making it more dangerous should you have a fall.

Managing the hazard:

NZTA recommends the following steps to stay safe on roads:

• Ride with your light on at all times. Since 1 November 2009, this is a legal requirement.
• Always wear protective clothing.
• Always wear a helmet.
• Ride defensively.
• Be conspicuous.
• Keep a safe bike.
• Attend a riding school.
• Ride to the conditions and never exceed speed limits.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Avoid driver fatigue.

03 / Maintenance

Maintenance is important to keep the bike working properly.

3.1 Maintenance

Poor maintenance can create hazards, like brake failures or broken foot pegs.

Basic maintenance requirements:

• Follow the regular maintenance programme from the operator’s manual, especially for brakes, footrests and controls.
• Make sure foot pegs do not bend, sag or lose their grip.
• Check the brakes after riding through water.
• Wash the bike regularly. When cleaning your bike, don’t direct high-pressure hoses at the bearings – this causes mechanical problems.

04 / Training requirements

Riders must be trained and/or experienced enough to do the job.

4.1 General requirements

Only let people with the right training and experience ride a two-wheeled bike.

Bike riders must have appropriate riding skills. To check a rider’s skills, talk about safe farm bike riding with them and get them to show their skills under direct supervision.

Riders must know about the best routes to take, no-go zones and what jobs can be done by bike compared to other vehicles.

4.2 Learning to ride

When learning to ride, choose an area of flat ground without obstacles and hazards. Make sure the rider knows the bike’s controls.

Only use low gears to start with. The rider should take time to get used to the bike’s controls, particularly the throttle, brakes and clutch. The rider should practice gear changes, because changing gears smoothly is a big part of safe bike riding.

• Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.
• Learn how to stop in an emergency using both brakes.
• Seek good advice and instruction, preferably from a qualified instructor.

4.3 Children

Children should not ride adult-sized farm bikes.

Often children don’t have the judgment, skills and strength to safely ride a full-sized farm bike. Manufacturers make smaller models for children, but the same riding techniques – under adult supervision – are needed.

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended age limits.

4.4 Training for health and safety representatives

The Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 gives employees the right to be involved in workplace health and safety matters. One way this can be achieved is by electing a health and safety representative. This is someone employees can go to when they have any concerns or suggestions about workplace health and safety. The representative will work with the employer in good faith to find a solution. 

This representative is allowed to take two days paid leave per year to undergo approved health and safety training.

4.5 Choosing the right vehicle for the job

Refer to the Choosing the right vehicle for the job assessment table to determine the appropriate vehicle to meet your requirements.

Choosing the right vehicle for the job (PDF 40 KB)

05 / References

5.1 Glossary

Term	Definition
All practicable steps	Section 2A Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992: ‘The steps taken to achieve the result that it is reasonably practicable to take in the circumstances, having regard to: the nature and severity of harm that may be suffered if the result is not achieved; and the current state of knowledge about the likelihood and severity of harm that will be suffered if the result is not achieved; and the current state of knowledge about harm of that nature; and the current state of knowledge about the means available to achieve the results and about the likely effectiveness of each of those means; and the availability and cost of each of those means. ‘To avoid doubt, a person required by the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 to take all practicable steps is required to take those steps only in respect of circumstances that the person knows or ought reasonably to know about.’
GPS	Global Positioning System. A space-based satellite navigation system that gives location and time information, in all weather conditions, anywhere on or near the Earth where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. The system gives information to military, civil and commercial users around the world.
Panniers	Baskets, bags, boxes or similar containers; carried in pairs; attached to the sides of a motorcycle.
Pillion passenger	Pillion is the name of a secondary pad, cushion or seat behind the main seat or saddle on a horse, bike, bicycle or moped. Someone using this seat is ‘riding pillion’, they can also be called the ‘pillion’ or ‘pillion passenger’.

5.2 Bibliography

Reducing Risk of Injury Associated with Farm Bikes on Farms in Australia, T Schalk & L Fragar. Australian Agricultural Health Unit, 1999

Vehicle Injury Associated with Australian Agriculture: The Facts 2008, C Morton, L Fragar & K Pollock. Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety, 2008 (Facts and Figures on Farm Health and Safety Series No 14) Chapter 4 On-farm injury deaths, 4.3.2 2-wheeled bikes

New Zealand guidance

Riding Farm Bikes for the Farmer, ACC 2002

Farming Bulletin: Safe Use of 2-Wheel Bikes in Agriculture, OSH 1998

Guidance from other jurisdictions

Agricultural Bike Safety, Farm Safe WA, 2005

Farm Bikes, Vic Roads

Farm Vehicles, 2 and 4 Wheeled Motorbikes, The Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety, 2008

Quadbike and Vehicle Safety, Farmsafe Australia

Rural Plant Code of Practice 2004 – Quad Bike and 2 Wheel Bike Requirements: Comment Paper, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, 2011

Rural Plant: Code of Practice 2004, Section 8.4 All terrain vehicles

Use of Helmets When Operating Quad Bikes (ATVs), Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, 2012 (Information guide; no. 33)