NEW SAFETY PACKAGE TO TARGET MOTORCYCLE RIDERS

The Bligh Government today unveiled a range of new initiatives to help tackle a rising motorcycle death toll.

Ms Bligh said nationally the rate of fatalities from motorcycle riding was 20 times higher than for car drivers.

“Here in Queensland around one in five road fatalities are motorcyclists and between 2003 and 2007 fatalities from crashes involving motorcycles increased by 79%,” Ms Bligh said.

“More than 70 motorcyclists lost their lives last year alone and up until last month 61 this year.

“These are alarming statistics that hide an incalculable cost to the families, friends and loved ones of those who have died.

“Why has this tragic trend emerged?

“More and more people are riding motorcycles for regular commuting and recreation leading to a steady increase in registrations and the number of people obtaining a license.

“With increasing fuel prices and a greater interest in more environmentally-friendly forms of transport this growth is expected to continue.

“However more motorcyclists on the road means more risk.”

Ms Bligh said motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injury because they do not have the same crash protection as car drivers.

“Motorcycle riding also requires greater attention and skills to that used while driving a car,” she said.

“Our new initiatives have a particular focus on novice riders.

“These include:

• Introducing a requirement that provisional licence holders must a display a P plate when riding a moped or motorcycle. Requiring P plates to be displayed on motorcycles will identify newly licensed drivers to other road users and help with enforcement of particular restrictions that may be applied to these license holders

• Restricting class RE (restricted engine) motorcycle learners from carrying a supervisor as a pillion passenger. Changing this rule will remove the risk a pillion passenger poses to stability and balance of a motorcycle for a novice rider.

• Introducing a Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme to replace the existing 250ml engine capacity restriction for class RE motorcycle licence holders with a restriction based on a 150kW 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 program aimed specifically at correcting and repairing those parts of the road surface and road environment which pose a particular danger to motorcyclists.

• New and targeted motorcycle public education materials.

Minister for Transport John Mickel said currently learner, provisional and open car and motorcycle licence holders over the age of 25 must comply with the standard .05 limit.

“Queensland is the only State that differentiates based on age,” he said.

“We are going to change that with the introduction of a zero blood/breath alcohol concentration restriction for all learners, provisional drivers and novice drivers – regardless of age.

“Not just motorcyclists but cars as well.”

Mr Mickel said today’s initiatives would be phased in over the next 18 months and are the outcome of a broad body of work completed since the Queensland Road Safety Summit including a Queensland Transport review of motorcycle safety, the Select Committee on Travelsafe’s Inquiry into the Q-Ride Rider Training Program and a recent motorcycle safety community consultation process.

November 12, 2008

Media Contact: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500