VICTORIANS VOTE on November 29, 2014. Political party policies on transport in general and motorcycling in particular, will influence the way I vote. On behalf of the Independent Riders Group I have written to the Greens for their motorcycle & scooter policy. The Victorian Motorcycle Council wrote to the parties and the response to the VMC's letters are below. Scroll down.
The Liberals are pushing a dangerous antibike agenda including compulsory flouro jackets, compulsory boots (no definition of boots), no traffic filtering, no bus lanes (yet?) and a lights on law that may change your legal standing after a crash. And it is the Liberals who are pushing the Queensland type anti bikie laws. Read the transcript in an earlier blog. It is frightening.
It is not much more than 100 days to the Victorian election. NOW is the time to get involved. Be at the protest against the anti bikie laws on August 2. 11 am at Parliament House in Melbourne. Be in the public gallery at Parliament House in Melbourne on August 5. Be at the free seminar in Coburg on August 9.
AND, go see your MP. www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members
Damien Codognotto OAM
Spokesman
Independent Riders Group
Melbourne
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Political Party Motorcycle Policy
Do you know what the policies are regarding motorcycle issues for each political party?
In May 2014 the VMC embarked on finding out just that and we will be publishing the responses from each party.
Feel free to read the letter sent to each party and write your own version to let them know that your passion and interest in motorcycles and the two wheeled culture makes a difference come election time.
Australian Labour Party
Victorian Labor believes that our roads should be enjoyed by all road users, be they motorists, motorcycle and scooter riders or cyclists. An important aspect of making our roads better for all users is appropriate legislation and adequate roads funding.
Lane Filtering
Victorian Labor supports the introduction of lane filtering on Victorian roads, to reduce congestion and improve safety for motorcycle and scooter riders. This was a recommendation of the cross-party Parliamentary Inquiry into Motorcycle Safety, however the Napthine Government has failed to address the issue and legalise the practice.
A Victorian Labor Government will introduce legislation to make lane filtering legal on Victorian roads, as it is soon to be in New South Wales and other parts of the world.
Motorcycle use of Bus Lanes
Reducing congestion and improving safety on our roads is of paramount importance. The utilization of bus lanes by motorcyclists has the possibility to both improve rider safety and lessen travel times.
VicRoads reported in its submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Motorcycle Safety that the 2011 Hoddle Street bus lane trial was ‘operating satisfactorily’.
A Victorian Labor Government would support the use of bus lanes by motorcyclists if it is proven that their use increases safety for road users and also lessens congestion.
Roads Funding
One of the most important aspects of ensuring safe roads is adequate roads funding. Unfortunately, the Napthine Government is underfunding roads maintenance across the state, allowing Victorian roads to fall into disrepair. Levels of road distress are at their highest for years.
A Victorian Labor Government will improve roads funding, by establishing a $2 billion roads fund for regional and suburban road improvements. This is guaranteed funding which will ensure better quality roads across Victoria.
Further Policies
Further roads and road safety policies will be released in the lead up to the November State Election.
Lane Filtering
Victorian Labor supports the introduction of lane filtering on Victorian roads, to reduce congestion and improve safety for motorcycle and scooter riders. This was a recommendation of the cross-party Parliamentary Inquiry into Motorcycle Safety, however the Napthine Government has failed to address the issue and legalise the practice.
A Victorian Labor Government will introduce legislation to make lane filtering legal on Victorian roads, as it is soon to be in New South Wales and other parts of the world.
Motorcycle use of Bus Lanes
Reducing congestion and improving safety on our roads is of paramount importance. The utilization of bus lanes by motorcyclists has the possibility to both improve rider safety and lessen travel times.
VicRoads reported in its submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Motorcycle Safety that the 2011 Hoddle Street bus lane trial was ‘operating satisfactorily’.
A Victorian Labor Government would support the use of bus lanes by motorcyclists if it is proven that their use increases safety for road users and also lessens congestion.
Roads Funding
One of the most important aspects of ensuring safe roads is adequate roads funding. Unfortunately, the Napthine Government is underfunding roads maintenance across the state, allowing Victorian roads to fall into disrepair. Levels of road distress are at their highest for years.
A Victorian Labor Government will improve roads funding, by establishing a $2 billion roads fund for regional and suburban road improvements. This is guaranteed funding which will ensure better quality roads across Victoria.
Further Policies
Further roads and road safety policies will be released in the lead up to the November State Election.
Luke A Donnellan MP
State Member for Narre Warren North
Shadow Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC
State Member for Narre Warren North
Shadow Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC
The VMC thanks Mr. Donnellan for replying to our questionare and his committed support for Filtering and Bus Lanes
Liberal Party of Australia/Nationals
Filtering
Spokeswoman for Transport Minister Terry Mulder, Larissa Garvin, said: “The Victorian Government did not accept the Parliamentary Inquiry into Motorcycle Safety 2012 recommendation on lane filtering, primarily due to the difficulty of enforcing the rule”. see reference
Bus lanes
Taken from the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Media Release in 2010
"The Victorian Coalition will also introduce a trial allowing motorcyclists to use one ofMelbourne’s dedicated bus lanes." We have yet to see any further action on this issue in 2014.
Taken from the Road Safety Victoria Website in the absense of an official reply.
What we’re doing
Engineering
Improving road and roadside infrastructure for motorcyclists
Continue to improve our roads under the Motorcycle Blackspot Program, targeting popular touring routes and specific sites that have particular risks for motorcyclists.
Advocating for an Australian Design Rule for Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) on new motorcycles
Victoria will encourage the Federal Government to introduce an Australian Design Rule for ABS to be fitted on all new motorcycles sold in Australia.
Education
Improving training for motorcyclists
Introduce a graduated licensing system for motorcyclists to help beginners develop critical riding skills under safe conditions. (Note - This also now includes mandatory Hi Viz Vests.)
Education and media campaigns targeting all road users
Continue the ‘put yourself in their shoes’ campaign that highlights risks and actions for both drivers and riders in sharing the road together.
Promoting the benefits of protective clothing
- Develop new education materials that highlight to motorcyclists the benefits of wearing protective clothing.
- Introduce a mandatory requirement for motorcyclists to wear boots that are at least ankle high to better protect them.
Educating recreational and weekend riders
Deliver new campaigns on the risks associated with recreational and weekend riding in country Victoria and on long route rides.
Enforcement
Reducing speeding among motorcyclists
Work towards resolving the current inequity that exists between motorcyclists and other road users where motorcyclists are not detected when committing traffic offences due to the lack of a front number plate.
The Australian Greens Victoria
Independent Members
Australian Christians
Australian Sex Party
Country Alliance
Democratic Labor Party (DLP) of Australia
Family First Party Victoria
Palmer United Party
Solicalist Alliance
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