New motorcycle laws to enhance road safety
Published Monday, 23 June, 2008 at 04:26 PM
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Major changes to motorcycle licensing will be introduced from July 1 in a bid to stem the rising death toll in Queensland.
Since Saturday, four Queensland motorcyclists have died on our roads.
“This is a tragedy for the people involved, and for their family and friends,” the Minister for Transport John Mickel said today.
“As this weekend’s horrific toll shows, we can’t wait to make changes and increase our public education efforts.
“From next Tuesday all newly licensed motorcycle riders will be 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,” Mr Mickel said.
"This will ensure all newly licensed motorcycle riders gain valuable on-road experience on a lower powered motorcycle.
“We will also be increasing the age limits on children riding pillion to eight years of age or older.
“The Bligh Government has considered this legislation change carefully and we believe it is an unacceptable risk to place very young children onto motorcycles,” Mr Mickel said.
This amendment is in line with agreed changes to the Australian Road Rules.
The new age restriction is in addition to current requirements where a pillion passenger must be seated behind the motorcycle rider facing forward, wear an approved motorcycle helmet and that their feet must be on the foot rests provided on the motorcycle.
“On July 1 we will also begin an extensive public education campaign. We must do all we can as drivers and riders to make our roads safe for everyone.
“The key message is ‘Be aware. Take care. Survive.’
"This requirement on licensing will also build on laws introduced in July last year requiring a motorcycle learner to gain at least one year of experience as a provisional car licence holder.”
This is the first step in improving the current graduated licensing scheme for motorcycles and to enhance the safety of all novice motorcyclists.
"The highest crash risk period for novice riders is the first two years of riding while they gain experience," Mr Mickel said.
"Other measures to be introduced in July include strengthening the Q-Ride licensing system by introducing without notice, on the spot, and in person auditing of Q-Ride training programs," he said.
The three initiatives announced today are significant steps in improving motorcycle safety.
A second phase of initiatives will follow and will be informed by the responses to the motorcycle safety consultation paper. Consultation on this paper closed on Friday 30 May 2008.
More than 2,000 submissions were received in the five weeks of consultation.
"The next step in motorcycle policy reform is to develop a Motorcycle Safety Strategy, which will form the blueprint for motorcycle safety in Queensland in the future," Mr Mickel said.
Media contact : John Smith 3237 1944 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060
Since Saturday, four Queensland motorcyclists have died on our roads.
“This is a tragedy for the people involved, and for their family and friends,” the Minister for Transport John Mickel said today.
“As this weekend’s horrific toll shows, we can’t wait to make changes and increase our public education efforts.
“From next Tuesday all newly licensed motorcycle riders will be 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,” Mr Mickel said.
"This will ensure all newly licensed motorcycle riders gain valuable on-road experience on a lower powered motorcycle.
“We will also be increasing the age limits on children riding pillion to eight years of age or older.
“The Bligh Government has considered this legislation change carefully and we believe it is an unacceptable risk to place very young children onto motorcycles,” Mr Mickel said.
This amendment is in line with agreed changes to the Australian Road Rules.
The new age restriction is in addition to current requirements where a pillion passenger must be seated behind the motorcycle rider facing forward, wear an approved motorcycle helmet and that their feet must be on the foot rests provided on the motorcycle.
“On July 1 we will also begin an extensive public education campaign. We must do all we can as drivers and riders to make our roads safe for everyone.
“The key message is ‘Be aware. Take care. Survive.’
"This requirement on licensing will also build on laws introduced in July last year requiring a motorcycle learner to gain at least one year of experience as a provisional car licence holder.”
This is the first step in improving the current graduated licensing scheme for motorcycles and to enhance the safety of all novice motorcyclists.
"The highest crash risk period for novice riders is the first two years of riding while they gain experience," Mr Mickel said.
"Other measures to be introduced in July include strengthening the Q-Ride licensing system by introducing without notice, on the spot, and in person auditing of Q-Ride training programs," he said.
The three initiatives announced today are significant steps in improving motorcycle safety.
A second phase of initiatives will follow and will be informed by the responses to the motorcycle safety consultation paper. Consultation on this paper closed on Friday 30 May 2008.
More than 2,000 submissions were received in the five weeks of consultation.
"The next step in motorcycle policy reform is to develop a Motorcycle Safety Strategy, which will form the blueprint for motorcycle safety in Queensland in the future," Mr Mickel said.
Media contact : John Smith 3237 1944 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060