ASF related news MRA says 'Poor planning places riders in jeopardy' MRA calls for the placement of some bicycle lanes to be reviewed due to the dangers posed to powered two wheelers (PTW) The Motorcycle Riders Association of Victoria MRA The Motorcycle Riders Association of Victoria MRA(Vic) today called for the placement of some bicycle lanes to be reviewed due to the dangers posed to powered two wheelers (PTW) by the poor planning and lack of consultation involved.
Bicycle Lanes a Hazard to Motorcycles. Following the recent call for shared Vulnerable Road User Lanes and the apparent rejection by government of this proposal, MRA(Vic) President John Karmouche today called on the Minister for Ports and Roads, Tim Pallas, to take action to ensure that the safety of PTW riders would not be jeopardised by future bicycle only lanes.
Mr Karmouche stated that in many places, bicycle lanes have been implemented in such a way as to remove options for motorcycle and scooter riders. There are numerous occasions where the proliferation of bicycle lanes has forced powered two wheelers onto the tram lines if they are to legally ride on that stretch of road. “While this is less of an issue for larger motorcycles, smaller motorcycles and scooters find tramlines slippery and they can be quite disconcerting and dangerous to ride on, especially on wet days” claimed Mr. Karmouche.
Remove Dangerous Lanes. Mr Karmouche, arguing for the possible removal of some bicycle lanes, cited Church Street in Richmond and Brunswick Street in Fitzroy as just two of the many roads where the narrowing of available roadway to install bicycle lanes has forced riders over on to the slippery and often poorly maintained tram lines.
He went on to say that if sharing lanes is not to be an option and the government is genuinely serious about safety then there is an urgent need for a review of existing lanes and for consultation with the Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Council prior to implementing any new on-road bicycle lanes.
Official Neglect. Currently not only are motorcycle and scooter riders excluded from their fair share of road space, they are forced to pay all the costs of any safety initiatives (with the exception of some TAC advertising) through the “safety” levy.
Unlike other categories of road users such as cyclists or heavy vehicles, no money except levy money is budgeted for the improvement of motorcycle safety. This is truly unconscionable and inexcusable. The government is so unconcerned about this category of legitimate road user that the new 5 year Powered Two Wheeler safety and transport strategic action plan is now six months overdue with still no indication of a release date.
For further information contact:
John Karmouche, MRA(Vic) President – Email: president@mravic.org.au
published 20/07/2009 |