The Andrews Labor Government is working to keep motorcyclists safer and better equipped with a package of new initiatives, following a devastating start the year on Victoria's roads.
Motorcyclists are over-represented in road trauma — they make up less than four per cent of registered vehicles, yet riders account for 15 per cent of deaths and serious injuries on our roads.
The $1 million package, to be funded through the Motorcycle Safety Levy, will introduce a range of safety, educational and rider mobility initiatives.
A learner and novice rider pack will be developed containing tips and resources to give motorcyclists a safe start on the road. The pack will include high-visibility vests and other safety equipment.
VicRoads surveillance officers will be trained and equipped to better identify road imperfections and other potential hazards for motorcyclists.
A motorcycle protective clothing star rating system, known as MotoCAP, will be further promoted to help riders make better choices when it comes to buying safety gear.
To complete the funding package, a trial allowing motorcyclists to use bus lanes is being expanded to investigate the mobility benefits to riders.
The trial currently underway on Hoddle Street will be expanded to include the Eastern Freeway inbound from the Chandler Highway to Hoddle Street, and Victoria Parade between Hoddle Street and Brunswick Street.
The Motorcycle Safety Levy was introduced in October 2002 to provide specific funding to reduce motorcycle related road trauma.
Today's package comes as the TAC re-launches its Perfect Ride motorcycle safety campaign urging Victorian riders to take care when using our roads.
The campaign addresses five key safety issues that recreational riders encounter and can contribute to a crash – speed, cornering, road position, road surfaces, and foreign objects and other road users.
This investment is part of the Labor Government's $1.4 billion investment in the Towards Zero Road Safety Strategy, and the Labor Government will continue to invest in the things that save lives on our roads.
As stated by the Minister for Roads Jaala Pulford
"We're only half way through the second month of the year and we've already had 13 motorcyclists lose their lives, which is 13 too many."
"We can't accept road trauma as the price you pay for using the roads – that's why we're investing heavily in motorcycle safety to protect some of our most vulnerable road users."
"Victoria is moving in the right direction with our approach to road safety, but that's of no comfort to the families and friends of the people who have died on our roads – that's why we will continue to do more."
