Motorcycle Awareness Ride

Here's the offical MRA release as of today;

MRAVic Media Release 30th June.

RIDERS NOT HOONS

Victorian motorcyclists are united in dismay at the confusing messages about motorcyclists being sent to the public by the authorities.

The internationally recognised Victorian “Road Safety and Transport Strategic Action Plan for Powered Two Wheelers 2009–2013” recognises motorcycles as a legitimate form of transport. The recently launched VicRide Assisted Rides coaching program initiated by the Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Council (VMAC) demonstrates that we're not a problem; we're a solution that comes with problems.

The MRA(Vic) supports the rank and file members of the Victorian Police force and recognises the difficult job they perform but question the political comments by their leadership that sought to vilify an environmentally friendly and less congestive group of vulnerable road users.

“Australia's rolling 12-month motorcycle road toll was down by 14.1 per cent at the end of May, according to statistics released by the federal government. The motorcycle road toll continues to fall faster than the overall road toll, which dropped just 5.7 per cent (1442 deaths as opposed to 1529 in 2009). NSW and the ACT were the only states to see an increase in fatalities across the board, with NT having the highest number of road deaths per 100,000 population - with Victoria the lowest.” *

Thirty two of our families have lost a son or daughter on a motorbike in Victoria so far this year, 15 more than the same period last year** and we share their sorrow at the insinuation that each death was the result of their own irresponsible behaviour.

Assistant Commissioner (Traffic) Ken Lay stated “The difference of 15 could be the reason why this year's road toll had soared to 160 this year, compared to 144 for the same time last year. Of this year's motorcycle fatalities, about 35 per cent have involved excessive or inappropriate speed and independent research showed motorcyclists were 38 times more likely than motorists to be seriously injured or killed in a crash, while about 75 per cent of motorcyclists involved in a fatality were at fault.” Mr. Lay went on to say “every day I am passed by hooning motorcyclists who put themselves in grave danger and I am simply fed up with it.”

* BikePoint.com.au news
**At that time. Another rider killed on private property has been labelled a “Hoon” and added to the road toll since.

Mr. Lay gave evidence to support his claims by producing five photographs purporting riders not being caught by “Speed Cameras” through lack of Frontal Registration plates.

FACTS:

1) One of these photographs was found to have been taken last year which demonstrates intent to mislead. Evidence shows that .03% of motorcyclists were avoiding camera detection several years ago – exactly the same proportion as that of other motorists avoiding detection through dirty, obscured or false front number plates. No other jurisdiction in the developed world has seen Frontal Number Plates as an essential safety measure related to motorcycling. From personal experience Mr. Lay should know, the community’s attitude towards speed cameras is the result of the government misusing them, there is nothing different in a rider's stance towards revenue-raising than anyone else.

2) While motorcycle fatalities have increased in 2010, the number of registered riders and kilometres travelled has also increased. This does not necessarily represent a particular anomaly requiring the vilification of riders. It also does not recognise that other road user groups have also had increased fatalities (masked somewhat by the decrease of passenger fatalities).

3) Police data provided to VMAC does not support the assertion that “hoon” behaviour and speed are key contributors to the rising death toll. Mr Lay in fact said to VMAC that “there were no discernible patterns to the fatalities”. People without licenses, registered bikes, helmets or on private property are added to the on road toll yet this is not pointed out.

4) The assertion that a Motorcyclist is 38 times more likely to suffer death or serious injury is based on data from an SA study that has a disclaimer that it has an error rate from 10 – 25%. Using this figure without quoting the source (and the caveat around these figures) is misleading.

5) We challenge Mr. Lay to provide evidence to support his claim that 75% of motorcyclists involved in a fatality were at fault as the statistics do not support this.

All we want is a fair go;

1) We want the Victoria Police command to cease this smear campaign against riders. We notice that Mr Lay has now widened the definition of “hoon” activity to include lane changing. The government should legitimize and regulate (low speed) lane filtering and implement advanced stop zones at controlled intersections for single track vehicles where possible. This will lessen congestion and decrease the risk of rear end collisions for riders. This is not a “hoon” activity.

2) Front number plates have been investigated and rejected by all states as being impossible to implement and unnecessary. Mr Lay must be aware of this and needs to stop using this as a means of vilifying riders.

3) We want the government to allow single track vehicles to use mass transit lanes (bus lanes) on all major arterial routes. Interstate and overseas trials have shown that separating single track vehicles from cars reduces collisions.

4) We want the government to restore confidence in the automated enforcement camera systems by increasing the amber time for red light cameras and increase the margin for error in infringement detection in Speed cameras. There is a need to be completely transparent on revenue raised by these systems.

The MRA(Vic) will be holding a “RIDERS NOT HOONS” ride on Wednesday 7th July and invites all riders to participate. Click here for more details.

So come and join in and demonstrate to motorists what it means for motorcycles to be forced to behave as cars. Join the ride as a way of demonstrating your annoyance at the falsehoods that are being perpetrated that impact on your chosen mode of transport.

For further information contact:
Kerry Walton , MRA(Vic) President – 0417 766 555
Email: president@mravic.org.au

A copy of this Release can be downloaded here.

A copy of the Flyer to be handed out to drivers during the ride can be downloaded here.
 

I intend joining this ride.

If anyone is coming in from the East, we could meet up for coffee in Richmond and go in as a group.