Tasmania Police said the rider – who had a suspended learner bike licence - struck the horse float just before 8am, with the attached ute having just pulled out of a nearby driveway.

The motorcycle rider was pronounced dead at the scene. 

It is not known whether he owned the motorbike, which was unregistered at the time of the crash.

Inspector Michael Johnston said initial investigations indicated speed and inattention were “probably factors” in the incident.

While there were horses in the float at the time of the crash, it is believed they have not sustained any serious injuries.

It marked the state’s first road fatality of the Easter holiday period, during which Tasmania Police is conducting Operation Crossroads.

Inspector Johnston said the situation was difficult to accept for police.

“We’ve been talking to the community about road safety for several days, and up until Saturday, it had been going relatively well,” he said.

“There is a family that has lost a loved one, and another that has been involved in the crash.”

It is the second motorcycle fatality in as many weeks in Tasmania, after a man in his thirties died when his motorcycle crashed into the fence of the Smithton Primary School on March 22.

Inspector Johnston said it was “disappointing” that motorcyclists were often over represented in crash and fatality statistics.

“The police and the Road Safety Advisory Council are doing work on this, but [motorcycle riders] continue to be over represented,” he said.

“A crash like this is always devastating, no matter who is involved.”

Inspector Johnston urged drivers of all vehicles to be vigilant whenever they were on the roads.

“We would repeat the message to drivers to take care when they are on the road and to always drive to the conditions,” he said.

“There are times when we don’t see things on the road and that is human nature, but if we put a bit of extra effort in, it could be a difference.

“The speed limit is there for a reason.”