Something good from the Greens.

[MadKaw]

From MCCofNSW

Motorcycle boom demands lower tolls,
better parking and bus lane access

Greens MP and transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon is calling for a better deal for motorcyclists in NSW in the face of climate change, rocketing petrol prices and a boom in sales, with 18 percent more on on-road motorcycles sold in 2007 than 2006 across Australia (page X, Sun Herald).

The Greens NSW have initiated its first motorcycle policy, calling for:

· lower tollway fees for motorcycles than cars (identical tolls now paid in NSW)

· extra parking for motorcycles

· motorcycles to use all on-road bus lanes (not bus only T-ways/buses to retain right of way).

"With rocketing petrol prices, commuters are increasingly turning to motorcycles, particularly in areas poorly serviced by public transport like Western Sydney," Ms Rhiannon said.

"Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal should be encouraging motorcycling. They use less fuel and create fewer emissions in their production and use. Motorcycles reduce congestion, parking problems and road wear and tear.

"Ideally, commuters would be accommodated by a top-class public transport system but as the NSW government has failed to provide this then motorcycles are a good alternative.

"Motorcyclists should pay lower tolls than cars. NSW is the only state that tolls motorcycles at the same rates as cars. In Victoria, motorcyclists pay no tolls and in Queensland they pay 30-50 percent of the car toll.

"On city streets which already have car parking spaces, the Greens are calling for first and last spaces on each street to be dedicated to motorcycle only parking.

"One car parking space can be used more efficiently for motorcyclists, accommodating eight motorcycles. Vision at intersections will also be improved.

"Allowing motorcycles in bus-only lanes already occurs in the ACT on the basis it improves traffic flow and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

"It's safer for motorcyclists to use bus lanes because one of the most frequent types of accidents involves motorcycles being rear-ended by a car while stopped at traffic lights," Ms Rhiannon said.

Nearly 130,000 motorcycles were sold in 2007. Smaller motorcycles are selling well, with the most popular selling road bike being the kind of scooter used by posties.

For more information: Lee Rhiannon 0427 861 568.

Latest motorcycle sale figures: http://www.fcai.com.au/motorcycles.php/ ... 00020.html

[brendanzxr]

Bout bloody time , someone made a move , yessss awesome hope it happen's soon, we us motorcyclist's need it.

[mike-s]

"Motorcyclists should pay lower tolls than cars. NSW is the only state that tolls motorcycles at the same rates as cars. In Victoria, motorcyclists pay no tolls and in Queensland they pay 30-50 percent of the car toll.

I wonder how long until this statement is no longer accurate.

Oh and i must say that this is a *very* reasonable approach to it all, the masses aren't going to be chuffed with the sacrificing of parking spots, but the are right in that if the upkeeps up at this rate it'll soon be outweighed... assuming we ever reside to sacrificing the use of the car.

[swabio-ACT]

the masses aren't going to be chuffed with the sacrificing of parking spots, but the are right in that if the upkeeps up at this rate it'll soon be outweighed... assuming we ever reside to sacrificing the use of the car.

Hmmm less congestion on the tollways would be good

[99coconuts]

Bout bloody time , someone made a move , yessss awesome hope it happen's soon, we us motorcyclist's need it.

dont hold your breath mate, who has EVER listened to the greens?

[mfzx6r]

Fuck the greens
If they get their way I wont be able to ride my dirtbike or my 4x4 fuck them !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mfzx6r]

Those pricks will stop me from being able to ride my dirtbike and my 4x4 if they get their way fuck them !!

[lifeofcrimeguy]

Well yes the green are generally pains in the arse but they do occasionally come up with some decent proposals. Of course I dont actually see anything in this one that hasn't been said before a dozen times by various motorcycling groups. I really can't see things changing anytime soon without some decent legwork.

[Frank]

Those pricks will stop me from being able to ride my dirtbike and my 4x4 if they get their way fuck them !!

Gotta agree with you on this one, but and it's a small but, and it really pains me to say this, it's about the only semi intelligent thing to come that stupid cows mouth

But yes other than that they can go and get well and truelly F#@KED