The Loneliness Epidemic: Is Motorcycling The Solution?

By Heather Ellis

The answer to this question is not rocket science. Riders have always known that motorcycling is a powerful form of therapy for one’s mental health. It’s also a way to connect with others to combat loneliness.

In three large States, Victoria, and as a mecca for riders, both on and off-road, I see many weekend motorcyclists riding alone, but equally, I see many riding in groups.

Whether riding as one or riding in a group, either way as riders we all know the sense of euphoria that comes with the wind rushing past our body; the sense of moving forward especially the lean into corners.

And for off-road riders, the escape into nature. All these sensations increase dopamine and endorphin levels: chemicals responsible for happiness and stress reduction. At the same time, all the troubles of life are magically forgotten.

But once the ‘high’ of the ride is over, what then? While I’m devoted to this motorcycling mindfulness, it’s nice to share the ride with like-minded folk over coffee or lunch. The camaraderie amongst motorcyclists is special. Our shared interest means we can easily strike up a conversation with a complete ‘motorcycle-riding’ stranger.

I know many older riders who’ve said that without motorcycling, life would be kinda lonely. Some of them ride alone but they always meet others on the road or enjoy a shared camaraderie online.

The mental health benefits of motorcycling is a fact. Riders do not need scientific evidence. They know it. They were invented. And there are ride groups like Australia’s Black Dog Ride, which started in 2009, which aims to raise awareness and start conversations about depression and suicide prevention. But the challenge is to take this knowledge outside of our tribe to the general public and to policy makers.

Increasingly, governments around the world are looking at ways to combat loneliness as it’s been identified as the next epidemic of modern times. We live in a paradoxical era where we’re more connected than ever digitally, yet loneliness is felt widely. And I’m sure there are a few of those millions where motorcycling could be a lifesaver. Instantly, they would become part of a community where they are acknowledged with a nod when passing another on the ride. And when they stop for a break, there’s no awkwardness in saying hi and sharing a chat about each other’s travels.

The news about this loneliness epidemic piqued my interest recently when the NSW State Government launched its Parliamentary Inquiry into the impacts of loneliness. This means our pollies are taking loneliness and what can be done about it seriously.

Our government’s interest in the impact of loneliness is not new. For example, in NSW (and I am sure there are studies in other states too), the findings from the NSW Mental Health Commission’s 2022 Community Wellbeing Survey revealed that nearly half of NSW residents experience feelings related to loneliness ‘some of the time’ or ‘often’. This apparent increase in loneliness has prompted the NSW government to consider a need for what they call ‘targeted interventions’.

Even though there’s overwhelming evidence of the mental health benefits of motorcycling, it would appear the government is not aware of this.

Hey! let’s encourage motorcycling as one of the ‘cheap’ interventions! This perception has not materialised in the minds of bureaucrats – something we’ll have to work to overcome.

The fatalities report is very different when thinking of riders on or road users who are licensed, ride experienced motorcycles and improve their rider skills through ongoing training.

Many also ride with a motorcycle riders group or ride a club and benefit from the mentorship of more experienced members. This negative perception about motorcycling by ‘the outsiders’ (those who don’t ride), continues to discourage people from joining or buying one and finding a sense of belonging.

It’s not only the subtle messages from the media and some family and friends who do not ride, but also the cost burden of getting a motorcycle licence and the ongoing registration costs that is the easy reach. An increase that seems to be for no other reason than as a deterrent. And depending on the motorcycle, the cheapest part of motorcycling is the one-off set up costs: the bike and the protective gear. Just look at the prices of used bikes, especially LAMS bikes, most with just a few thousand kms on the clock. Add on your own servicing is not difficult and can save you thousands.

Rider rights advocates still face these increased costs as the cause of so many ‘unders’ on our roads (those without a licence and ride unregistered), a very worrying risk that kills and dies under motorcycles i.e. with tyres.

The mental health benefits of motorcycling have also been recognised in Germany, Japan, the US and other countries to recent. In Germany, the Fellows Ride initiative has been organising motorcycle rides to raise awareness about depression and mental health.

In Japan, there have also been a number of studies on the influence of cycling (some loneliness) and in the US, the Surgeon General’s Advisory on the epidemic of loneliness highlights the importance of community and social connection. While not specifically mentioning motorcycling, the advisory underscores the value of engaging in group activities that foster social bonds.

Motorcycling clubs and group rides can serve as such activities, providing riders with a network of support and camaraderie. While motorcycle groups and clubs are not for everyone, joining a club or group not only means you make new friends, riders get the added experience of improving riding skills, exploring new roads and trails you may have never found on your own while gaining new know-how about bike servicing and maintenance.

I can guarantee you’ll soon be enjoying lingering discussions about oil changes, tyres and other such hot mechanical matters from those who collectively have several hundred years of experience to share.

In my motorcycle travels, I occasionally hold workshops and tour authorities or policymakers where people have had the opportunity to promote the mental and health benefits of recreational motorcycling and how it needs to be nurtured. How it can change a person’s life if they are in a slow path of loneliness, into a life filled with purpose, connection, and adventure. Motorcycling isn’t just a hobby – it’s a doorway to a vibrant life thanks to the shared adventures and community where people look out for each other, share experiences, and form lifelong friendships. One of my friends, perhaps it’s time they looked beyond stereotypical approaches by recognising the power of two wheels to bring people together.

Heather Ellis is the author of the bestselling motorcycle travel books: Ubuntu and Timeless On The Silk Road. Available in bookshops, libraries, on Amazon and from www.heather-ellis.com