State Government lifts focus on motorbike safety

The State Government is putting motorbike safety under further scrutiny, with Minister for Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas requesting Parliament’s Travelsafe Committee launch an inquiry into a broad range of safety issues.

Mr Lucas has asked the Travelsafe Committee to consider looking into a range of issues including management of returning riders and measures to increase the safety of newly licensed riders.

“Last year, there were 61 motorbike-related fatalities on our roads,” Mr Lucas said.

“Although that’s down from 66 in 2005, this loss of life is totally unacceptable.”

Motorcycle registrations have gone from 97,000 at the end of 2004 to 124,000 at the end of 2006 – a 28% jump in two years.

State Parliament’s Travelsafe Committee has conducted numerous inquiries into issues such as rural road safety, fatigue driving and vehicle impoundment for drink drivers.

Issues Mr Lucas has asked Travelsafe to consider looking into include:

• training and management of returning riders,
• licensing of moped riders,
• closer alignment of the graduated licensing system for novice car drivers and novice riders (such as logbooks),
• introduction of restrictions for specific licence holders, such as power to weight ratio, speed and pillions,
• possible road engineering interventions,
• review of motorbike design and standards,
• possible introduction of a minimum standard for protective clothing, and
• the viability of introducing a Motorbike Safety Levy to fund targeted initiatives.

Mr Lucas also said the State Government was implementing a number of changes to the Q-RIDE competency based training and assessment scheme.

These included:

• random, anonymous checks by Queensland Transport staff participating in Q-RIDE training,
• introduction of a maximum student/trainer ratio of 5:1 for training and assessment,
• professional development days with a practical focus where trainers can discuss issues with Queensland Transport in an ‘on-bike’ environment, and
• tighter auditing of trainers, including a focus on practical skills.

“And from July 1, motorbike riders must hold a provisional car licence for 12 months prior to gaining learner motorbike licence. This means learner riders will be at least 18 years old.”

“Travelsafe is looking specifically at Q-RIDE now and we expect to receive its report soon but these changes are important measures that the State Government has decided to implement straight away.”

Mr Lucas said data showed there had been an increase in the number of motorbike crashes involving mature riders.

“From 1992 to 2005 the number of mature motorbike riders aged 40 years or over, killed or hospitalised as a result of road crashes in Queensland, has increased from 74 riders (or 13.4%) during 1992 to 312 riders (or 34.9%) during 2005.”

“Our young drivers’ initiatives should make an impact on most first time riders but we are becoming increasingly alarmed at crash rates for men in their 30s and 40s.

“Many of these returning riders got their licence years before and after doing well financially have splurged on a high-powered road bike they aren’t equipped to ride.”

Mr Lucas said the motorbike rider and pillion fatality rate per 10,000 registered motorbikes showed that during 2006, the Queensland rate had decreased compared with 2005. During 2006, the annualised rate for Queensland was lower than Northern Territory, South Australia, New South Wales, and Tasmania.

Mr Lucas said with the average yearly growth rate in the number of mopeds being registered running at 90% it was important to look at whether riders needed to be specially licensed.

“Currently, mopeds – motorbikes with an engine capacity of not more than 50ml with a manufacturer's top rated speed of not more than 50kmh – can be ridden by a person who holds either a car or motorbike licence.”

“The number of moped rider/pillion casualties has increased from 20 in 2001, to 51 during 2005, in line with this increase in registration.”

Mr Lucas said during 2006, police identified that the rider was speeding in 40% of fatal crashes involving motorbike riders.

“And in 81% of the 64 fatal crashes involving motorbikes in 2005, the reporting police officer considered the motorbike rider most at fault.”

“I accept that other motorists need to be far better informed with respect to motorcyclists, but it’s time we put to rest the myth perpetuated by some riders that it is always someone else’s fault.

“The Travelsafe inquiry into Q-RIDE is important but if it was only about Q-RIDE then why are motorcycle fatality rates in other states also unacceptably high?

“I have invested a tremendous time and effort into young drivers’ policy over the last year but 2007 and 2008 will be the years of motorcycle safety reform.

“No amount of training can eliminate the risks for someone who thinks they can drive or ride at very excessive speeds or take other inappropriate risks on our roads.

“As I’ve repeatedly said about a wide range of road safety issues – ultimately it’s individuals who can make the most difference,” Mr Lucas said.

Media inquiries: Robert Hoge 3237 1942