Safety measures at the Burt Munro Challenge will need to be looked at after five people were injured when motorcycles crashed into crowds, an organiser says.
One person was critically injured, three seriously and a fifth was taken to hospital in a moderate condition after two separate crashes at the event's Bluff Hill Climb in Southland yesterday.
Several others were treated at the scene.
"One of the bikes had gone round the second corner and he had come off and the way he's come off, it slipped, and he's gone into the crowd," organising committee chair Craig Hyde said.
The rider was not injured.
There are barriers on the hill, and crowd marshals, but safety measures would need to be reassessed in light of the crashes, he said.
Spectators may be prevented from going up the hill to watch in the future.
"It's something we're really going to have to evaluate, whether we actually have people up the hill again to watch next time."
Racing resumed after the first crash in the morning after riders were spoken to, police attended and measures were evaluated.
Following the second crash in the afternoon all spectators were removed from the hill, Hyde said.
Those seriously and critically injured were in a stable condition at Southland Hospital today and the moderately injured person was ready to be discharged, a spokesperson for Te Whatu Ora Southern said.
Drive and ride safely: police
As the event continued through the weekend, police said they hoped the crashes did not tarnish what was a very successful and enjoyable event.
There were still up to 6000 motorcycle enthusiasts in the region, with weather conditions expected to be more settled than in the past few days.
''Police would like to remind motorcyclists to ride safely to the conditions, as the roads can be slippery and to be conscious of other road users. ''
They also asked motorists to take an extra look over their shoulder as motorcycles could often go unseen.
Extra police would be on roads this weekend to ensure that everyone got home safely.
WorkSafe had been advised of the crashes.
- RNZ and Ben Tomsett
