AN increase in the number of people learning to ride motorbikes and scooters in a bid to save money and avoid traffic delays has led to a jump in the number of deaths on our roads.

The motorcycle fatality rate spiked 18 per cent in the 12 months to the end of last year, with 72 riders killed.

Motorbike deaths accounted for 20 per cent of road tragedies in the first nine months of 2013, with that number rising to 30 per cent for October and November. So far this year, six riders have been killed.

media_camera A scooter rider wearing her 'safety gear" on the streets in Bondi / Picture: Jeremy Piper

media_camera Safety boots: Scooter riders take to the streets in Bondi. Picture: Jeremy Piper

The number of riders injured each year is also steadily growing with concerns that many scooter owners are risking death and injury by not wearing protective clothing, instead opting for T-shirts, shorts and thongs.

The trend comes as more than 18,300 people in NSW got their motorcycle P-plates last year - a 5.5 per cent jump on 2012. There was a 7.2 per cent rise in new motorcycle licences between 2011 and 2012. In the past five years, there has been a 35 per cent increase in motorcycle registrations.

Leading road safety consultant and former chairman of the NSW Parliament's Staysafe Committee, Ian Faulks, said the shift towards motorcycles is caused by the perception that it is easier to get around in traffic-congested Sydney - and easier to park.

media_camera A motorcyclist heading to Coogee Beach is not wearing proper protective clothing.

"Operating costs are seen as cheaper," he said. "Motorcycles and motor scooters are seen as being more eco-friendly, particularly as a form of urban transport. The publicity relating to overall reductions in the road toll could also be fuelling a perception that motorcycling is less risky."

The state government's Centre for Road Safety is investing $3 million this financial year in its motorcycle safety infrastructure program to help reduce fatalities.

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Centre general manager Marg Prendergast said the program improves safety for motorcycle riders on popular recreational riding routes and other high-risk locations.

"Roadside objects pose a huge threat to riders in the event of a crash," she said.

"Work will be carried out to improve safety for motorcyclists, including the installation of motorcycle protection on kerbside barriers and signs as well as new road and pavement markings and better guideposts and reflectors."

media_camera What safety? ... a pair of scooter riders take to the streets in Bondi / Picture: Jeremy Piper

THERE'S NOTHING COOL ABOUT BURNS

Jim O'Rourke

THE government should offer tax breaks to motorcycle riders buying protective jackets, pants, boots and gloves to help cut the number of injuries suffered by riders, health experts said.

The number of people treated for serious friction burns in NSW hospitals after falling from bikes more than doubled between 2012 and 2013, with 27 people being admitted to NSW burns units last year.

"There is nothing glamorous about ripping the skin off your legs because you were wearing shorts or a skirt," said Rebecca Ivers, director of the injury division at the George Institute for Global Health in Sydney.

"There is a perception that if you ride a scooter in your local area you won't get hurt, but you are risking receiving severe disabling injuries, especially to your legs."

The Daily Telegraph witnessed a number of riders risking their safety yesterday, cruising around Bondi in crash helmets - but little else.

One woman wore nothing but a blue and white spotted summer dress while two men, one who didn't have a shirt on, both opted for thongs instead of protective leather boots.