A motorbike rider has been seriously injured after a sleeping bag he was travelling with became dislodged and was pulled into the wheel arch, prompting police to issue a warning.
The rider was transported to hospital by helicopter following the crash around 1pm on Lumsden Dipton Highway in Southland today.
Police say they are expecting an influx of motorcyclists and vehicles to be travelling throughout the area for the Burt Munro Motor Cycle Rally.
Officers are reminding motorcyclists to ensure their luggage is secure while riding and are urging road users to extra take care.
"The more gear you have the heavier the bike will be and the more difficult it can be to handle, so minimise wherever possible," says Constable David Leach.
"We want riders to arrive safely, so make sure luggage I s strapped or locked to the motorcycle in a way that it cannot accidentally fall out of place."
Newshub.