The Bracks Government has failed to recognise the growing importance of powered two-wheelers (PTWs) in its Transport Plan, released earlier last week.

Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce Senior Manager of Government and Public Affairs David Russell said there had been no mention of the presence of motorcycles or scooters on Victorian roads in the Transport Plan, let alone any other form of PTW.

Powered two-wheelers such as electric bicycles and mopeds, as well as the more conventional scooters and motorcycles, hold one part of the solution to congested roads and high fuel prices.
 
“Commuters are turning to them in droves and it’s time the Victorian Government recognised their presence on the roads and acted to make their use safer,” Mr Russell said

“Scooter and motorcycle sales are up 40% in the past three years. They are now permanent features of city and suburban roads. It is intolerable that there are no new road-sharing initiatives in the Transport Plan to cater for this growing transport alternative.”

Mr Russell said a motorcycle forum held in March resulted in the identification of a number of needs for motorcycles and scooters on the roads.

These included:

• the need to adopt a new licensing system to allow learners to ride at an earlier age with research undertaken to determine the appropriate age
• PTWs be considered during road and infrastructure design processes
• Improved rider incentives using low-cost or subsidised skill-based training
• The removal of the motorcycle levy, or a non-discriminatory, transparent and accountable levy for all PTWs to ensure registration fees were dedicated to maintaining and improving road conditions and safety training for all riders
• The implementation of  PTW safety boxes at traffic lights and intersections and the Great Ocean Road initiative to be used as a model for reporting dangers and hazards for implementing road improvements.

“This is an area which is not going to go away. The Government must start addressing the needs of users of all powered two wheelers to ensure Victoria’s roads and infrastructure cater for the growth in use of this economical style of transport,” Mr Russell said.