Former five times MotoGP world champion Mick Doohan has been recognised by the city for his services to road safety.

Mayor Ron Clarke yesterday presented an award to the former world champion for his contribution as ambassador of Council’s Safer Motorcycle Advanced Rider Training (SMART) program.

Engineering Services Committee Chair Cr Dawn Crichlow said Mr Doohan's involvement had played a major part in the success of the program, which had contributed to a significant reduction in the number of motorcycle crashes on the Gold Coast.

"Prior to the inception of SMART in 2007, there were 19 fatal motorcycle crashes across the Gold Coast that year," said Cr Crichlow. "Since then, this number has steadily decreased and so far in 2010, there have been only two motorcycle fatalities in the city"

More than 1500 riders have completed the training courses and SMART, now in its fourth year, has been the recipient of two Queensland Road Safety Awards.

SMART offers heavily-subsidised rider training courses ($45 for a full day) and anyone wishing to find out more about the program, can visit Council's webite or phone 5667 3624.