Media Release More on VACC Safe Routes Rally The VACC is donating a bolwell jollie scooter to help raise funds for the lighthouse foundation.The ride is to raise awareness on a number of issues facing riders in Victoria
Allen Drysdale Sunday 22nd October 2006
From Luna Park to Lygon street
(Assemble 10:00am Luna Park • Finish Argyle square)
It’s your right. demand safer roads.
Join the VACC Safe Routes scooter rally and let’s make our presence felt.
Scooterists and other users of powered two-wheeled transport need:
Safe Routes
The VACC recommends that a system of ‘Safe Routes’ across the city be signed and promoted for users of two wheeled transport. These routes must have clearly designated lanes and traffic management features designed to encourage their use. A public education campaign should be undertaken to support their introduction and to encourage car drivers using these routes to become more alert to bicycle and scooter riders.
Safe Routes: Signed and promoted
Safe Route
the option for boxedturns on identified intersections
'Boxed turns’ should be encouraged on identified busy intersections, and marked and signed. (This initiative will avoid leaving scooter riders hanging out in the middle of intersections amid fast-moving traffic.)
Safety Boxes
VACC recommends that motorcycle safety boxes be placed at the head of busy intersections (the safest place for motorcycle or scooter riders is at the head of stopped traffic).
Filtering
To access safety boxes, VACC recommends filtering be permitted (and encouraged) to the left and right of stationary or slow-moving vehicles.
Bicycle lane sharing
VACC recommends that scooters (and mopeds) be permitted to share certain bicycle lanes on certain SAFE ROUTES. Scooters and mopeds using these lanes be limited to 35kp/h speed limit.
VACC Executive Director David Purchase comments,
“There is no sign of the boom in scooter and motorcycle sales abating. The Transport Minister must take initiatives to make the roads safer for scooter and motorcycle riders, as has been initiated for bicycle riders. Neither regulation, nor training,nor traffic management and infrastructure-use has kept pace with the boom in sales of two-wheeled transport. Clearly, cars and poor road-sharing practices pose the greatest risk to scooter riders.”
Inquiries:
VAcc 03 9829 1169
Some background information
The VACC Motorcycle Industry Forum, ‘Two Wheels to the Future’, held 18th March 2006, brought together eighty delegates to examine issues relating to road sharing and the safety
of powered two-wheeled transport users. Expert panellists included Professor Marcus Wigan, Professor of Transport Systems, Napier University; Neil O’Keefe, Chairman of the Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Council; Guy Stanford, Chairman, Motorcycle Council of NSW and Dale Maggs, President, Motorcycles Riders’ Association (Victoria).
Following is the Communique from the Forum to the Victorian Government, industry and the community of road users:
‘two Wheels to the Future’ communique
It is the opinion of the VACC Motorcycle Industry Forum that:
Congestion
Victoria allow filtering to the left or right side of stationary or slow moving vehicles.
Motorcycles and scooters be promoted as a viable transport alternative that can assist in the reduction of traffic congestion, travel times and air quality.
There be appreciation and consideration of powered two-wheeled transport in road design and infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Motorcycle and scooter safety boxes at traffic lights and intersections be implemented.
The Great Ocean Road initiative be used as a model for reporting dangers and hazards for implementing road improvements. To find out more about The Great Ocean Road initiative visit: http://www.motorcyclesaust.com/downloads.htm (Guide to Great Ocean Road.pdf)
Rider safety
Improved rider training through low-cost or subsidised competency-based rider training be implemented.
There be improved safety gear and better promotion of its adoption.
Taxes
The motorcycle levy be removed; or,
The motorcycle levy be replaced by a non-discriminatory levy on all registered motor vehicles and there be full transparency as to the application of levy funds, that more of motorcycling registration fees be dedicated to improving road conditions and improving safety training for motorcyclists. Learner Approved Motorcycle scheme (LAMs)
Victoria adopt the NSW and SA model of the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme: that power
to weight ratio calculated at 150kW per tonne (capped at 660cc) be the basis for such a scheme.
Victoria adopt a new licensing system to allow learners to ride at an earlier age, with research undertaken to establish the appropriate age.
We’re giving away a scooter
Join us on the SAFE ROUTES SCOOTER RALLY.
To help support the Lighthouse Foundation, VACC
is donating a brand new scooter on the day of the rally to assist its revenue raising initiatives.
Come along and show your support!
Lighthouse Foundation: A family for life
published 14/09/2006 |