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Home > Our Publications > Australian Outlook> 2009> July

Qld to tackle motorcylce deaths

A LONG-term safety strategy intended to stem the alarming rise in road deaths among motorcyclists has been launched in Queensland by the State's Transport Minister, Rachel Nolan and Main Roads Minister, Craig Wallace.
The Queensland Motorcycle Safety Strategy 2009-2012 was described by Ms Nolan as a four-year blueprint for motorcycle safety.
"With more and more people riding motorcycles, the strategy outlines a range of initiatives aimed at decreasing the number of motorcycle-related deaths," she said.
"In Queensland, 72 people died as a result of motorcycle crashes last year, representing 22 per cent of the 2008 road toll.
"Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injury because they do not have the same crash protection as car drivers and riding requires greater attention and more complex skills than driving a car."
The strategy identifies a range of priorities to be implemented from July 1, 2009 including:

A requirement for provisional licence holders to display a P plate when riding a moped or motorcycle.
A restriction on class RE (restricted engine) motorcycle learners from carrying a supervisor as a pillion passenger.
The introduction of a Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) to replace the existing 250ml engine capacity restriction for class RE motorcycle licence holders with a restriction based on a 150kW per tonne power-to-weight ratio and a 660ml upper engine capacity limit. This will limit the access of novice riders to powerful and unsuitable bikes.
An enhanced road maintenance and infrastructure programme aimed at road surface and road environments which pose a particular danger to motorcyclists.
New and targeted motorcycle public education materials.

The strategy was developed following community consultation on a range of safety initiatives proposed in the discussion paper Motorbike Safety in Queensland.
"More than 2300 people had their say on the future of motorcycle safety in Queensland, which is extremely encouraging as safety for motorcyclists is a serious issue and one that the Queensland Government is committed to addressing," Ms Nolan said.
The introduction of the strategy follows other motorcycle safety initiatives introduced from July 1, 2008.
"To ensure all new motorcycle riders gain valuable on-road experience, all newly licensed riders are now required to complete a minimum of 12 months on an RE class (restricted) motorcycle licence before being able to progress to an R class (unrestricted) motorcycle licence," Ms Nolan said.
"We also increased the age limits of children riding as pillion passengers to eight years of age or older and strengthened the Q-Ride licensing system by introducing without-notice, on-the-spot, and in-person auditing of Q-Ride training programmes."
Mr Wallace said the new strategy would also feature an enhanced road maintenance and infrastructure programme for Queensland roads.
"This programme will be aimed specifically at correcting and repairing those parts of the road surface and road environment that can pose particular dangers to motorcyclists," Mr Wallace said.
"During the next six years, the Queensland Government will invest AU$21 million into improvements at these locations, identified as potential danger spots following consultation with motorcycle groups.
"This is another step the Government is taking to ensure that we are creating the safest roads possible for all road users."