Vic motorbike crackdown after 29 deaths

Victoria's top motorbike-riding cop says protective footwear and gloves should be made mandatory for riders as the state grapples with a spike in deaths that's seen 29 riders killed in horrific crashes this year.

Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer, launching a crackdown on riders, on Monday said the 29 deaths this year was more than double for the same period last year.

Eighty-six per cent of the riders who died were at fault in the crash, Mr Fryer told 3AW, with some speeding, some on drugs or alcohol, and a third lacking the right licence.

Some 42 per cent of motorbike riders who go to hospital with leg injuries are not wearing appropriate footwear.

"I think we need laws requiring motorcyclists to wear ankle-covering footwear and gloves," Mr Fryer said.

Victorian motorcycle cops will be out in force from Monday to talk to riders about their clothing and riding style as part of Operation Motus.

Mr Fryer believes riders appreciate being policed by other members of the motorcycle community.