MRA Vic meeting with the minister for transport (political)
Posted: Fri Jan 26, 2007 11:46 am
Outline of the Meeting with the Victorian Minister for Transport and Ports 11th January 2007.
At the instigation of the Motorcycle Riders Association of Victoria (MRAA), a meeting was requested and agreed upon with the new Minister for Transport and Ports, the Hon. Tim Pallas.
The participants were Dale Maggs, MRAA Presiden, tNeville Gray, as National Ulysses Club representative, together with Roger Northam, Barwon Roadsafe Chairman and Ulysses representative sitting on VMAC ( Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Council ) and Tony Ellis, MRAA Secretary and VMAC member.
Five items were addressed during the meeting.
The meeting was very positive and started well by the Minister informing us that his Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, the Hon Martin Pakula MLC, had been given three projects for the coming year. One to facilitate all motorcycle issues within Victoria, which was ‘music to the rider delegate’s ears’, as government now has a dedicated person looking after safety and awareness issues. As the meeting progressed the Minister was genuinely interested in our comments.
Agenda items tabled and discussed during a 90 minute meeting with Minister Pallas:
1. Motorcycle Safety Strategy
The urgent need to have a new Victorian Motorcycle Safety Strategy for 2008- 2013, as the current Strategy expires at the end of 2007.
2. Rider Training
The need for a motorcycle specific hazard perception skills-based rider training program, readily available and cost effective for all riders, particularly returning riders. (We were particularly careful to emphasize that advanced rider training did not mean attending training intended for racing. It needs to be ‘appropriate’ training with an emphasis on hazard perception and avoidance skills upgrade)
3. LAMS
Review of the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme has been advocated for the last 26 years and a recommendation for review submitted by VMAC. Victoria needs to catch up NSW, ACT, SA and soon to be introduced, an updated TAS LAMS.
4. Road side hazards
The government ‘Inquiry into Crashes Involving Road Side Objects’, was completed over two years ago with 50 recommendations to be implemented. The Ulysses Club gave lengthy written and verbal evidence to the Inquiry. Why aren’t the vital recommendations being implemented, as most are very advantageous for motorcyclists. Why cannot Part 15 of the Austroads Standards (“Motorcycle Safety”) be made mandatory, rather than advisory, as it would, if mandated, assist all road users?
5. Rider responsibilities
There is very strong evidence in the majority of fatal crashes involving a
motorcycle, that the actual cause was that the motorcyclists experienced ‘rider error’ in single vehicle crashes. Riders must be responsible for their own safety. Hence, a direct link to point (2) above, was made.
The Minister agreed to the following:
That VicRoads had agreed to supply a draft copy of the new Motorcycle Safety at the December 2006 VMAC meeting. The strategy was not tabled at that meeting. Copies of the South Australian Motorcycle Strategy and the brilliant British Motorcycle Strategy, were handed to the Minister, as appropriate examples of workable solutions. The British version goes a step further in advocating the advantages of motorcycles in the transport system. The point was also made that motorcycles did not rate a mention in the recently released Victorian Transport Plan. The Minister agreed to liaise with Vicroads to ensure that the replacement draft Victorian Motorcycle Strategy would be made available to VMAC members as soon as possible.
The need for rider training was discussed. Riders are crashing due to a lack of riding experience. There are two ways of gaining and fast tracking such vital experience, firstly, through the ‘school of hard knocks’ following basic mandatory training and secondly, through participation in an appropriate rider training course(s). The analogy was made between holders of private aircraft licenses, where pilots must be regularly re-examined for skills whereas motorcyclists, where necessary skill levels are not all that far removed from those needed to pilot a light aircraft, received no training at all, unless they do so voluntarily.
The matter of full or partial government subsidization of rider training from the TAC safety levy was recommended. The most successful Yarra Ranges observed road course rider programme, incorporating the HART model of rider training, was referred to as an excellent example of potential funded support. The Minister was very interested in this concept.
The point was made that the Ulysses Club and MRAA have a similar scheme, whereby rebates of up to $60 are made to members undertaking approved rider training courses. The question was asked, “..why can’t government match this offer, which would reduce the rider cost burden for most training courses?”
What is happening with LAMS in Victoria? VMAC is unanimous in supporting a revised LAMS including the removal of 250cc high powered motorcycles (‘pocket rockets’) as novice rider motorcycles and adopting less fatiguing models of up to 660cc with a power to weight ratio of 150 kilowatts per tonne, with an assumed rider mass of 90kgs, in line with SA, NSW and ACT. This would assist more mature returnees and novice riders alike. (Experience in other States with a 660cc restricted power to weight ratio LAMS, show no abnormalities in the motorcycle crash rates or demographics since the introduction of LAMS.) Some legislative changes are required but the Minister stated, in his belief, that a revised LAMS would be implemented within 6 months. Good news there!
The recommendations arising from the Governments ‘Inquiry into Crashes Involving Roadside Objects’ was referred to. The Minister and his Secretary appreciated this document being tabled and indicated an understanding that most of the 50 recommendations need to be implemented as soon as possible, as many directly influence safer motorcycling within Victoria.
As an example, the recent unnecessary tragic motorcycle fatality on the way to the Phillip Island Moto GP was referred to. The need for Vicroads to be more vigilant and reactive when receiving reports of unsafe road conditions was highlighted.
The need for riders to be more responsible for their own safety was discussed. This was referred back to the absolute need for some sort of ongoing rider training.
During the meeting the subject of the $54 levy was broached. The Minister made it clear that the levy was here to stay. We countered by asking that the levy be applied to motorcycle license holders and not on registered motorcycles, which would give not only a financial windfall, but also improve rider safety in the motorcycle arena.
• This recommendation could double levy income, as there are currently 267,000 license holders in Victoria and 117,000 registered motorcycles.
• It would remove the inequity against multiple motorcycle owners.
• The safety advantage would be that dormant license holders: i.e. those with a current license but do not ride, would be enticed to cancel their motorcycle license and removed from the database, thereby avoiding the $54. Dormant motorcycle license holders pose a problem if they only ride very occasionally. Their skill levels and abilities are questionable.
• If returning to riding they would then require a training course rather than just step onto any motorcycle as they currently can.
Government could possibly reap more than twice as much in income from this new proposed levy on license holders in lieu of registered motorcycles and thereby fairly distribute the burden of the levy. I have asked our Ulysses representative to push this within VMAC some time, which he done without any success, due to VicRoads objections.
The Minister, in summing up the meeting concluded that it had been a very fruitful exercise and he requested we meet again in seven months to review progress and outcomes.
Dale Maggs presented the Minister with an MRA cap and the Minister agreed to a group photograph to mark this memorable occasion.
Participants left the Ministerial Offices on Collins Street with a feeling that the future of motorcycle safety and awareness in Victoria was about to take a giant step forward. Only time will tell. Without doubt, this was one of the most open and frank meetings with a Minister, where motorcycling has been discussed in a receptive manner.
Those who attended look forward to the next meeting in seven months. We will be closely monitoring progress on items during this period and will be keeping in close touch with each other and the Minister’s office.
Subsequent Actions
Following the meeting the Minister’s office has contacted Dale Maggs for further advice.
The Minister has met with Neil O’Keefe (VMAC Chair). Neil has subsequently met with Vic Roads and the Minister will be attending the next VMAC meeting. There are several initiatives being put forward, including serious training proposals which are being looked on favourably.
At the instigation of the Motorcycle Riders Association of Victoria (MRAA), a meeting was requested and agreed upon with the new Minister for Transport and Ports, the Hon. Tim Pallas.
The participants were Dale Maggs, MRAA Presiden, tNeville Gray, as National Ulysses Club representative, together with Roger Northam, Barwon Roadsafe Chairman and Ulysses representative sitting on VMAC ( Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Council ) and Tony Ellis, MRAA Secretary and VMAC member.
Five items were addressed during the meeting.
The meeting was very positive and started well by the Minister informing us that his Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, the Hon Martin Pakula MLC, had been given three projects for the coming year. One to facilitate all motorcycle issues within Victoria, which was ‘music to the rider delegate’s ears’, as government now has a dedicated person looking after safety and awareness issues. As the meeting progressed the Minister was genuinely interested in our comments.
Agenda items tabled and discussed during a 90 minute meeting with Minister Pallas:
1. Motorcycle Safety Strategy
The urgent need to have a new Victorian Motorcycle Safety Strategy for 2008- 2013, as the current Strategy expires at the end of 2007.
2. Rider Training
The need for a motorcycle specific hazard perception skills-based rider training program, readily available and cost effective for all riders, particularly returning riders. (We were particularly careful to emphasize that advanced rider training did not mean attending training intended for racing. It needs to be ‘appropriate’ training with an emphasis on hazard perception and avoidance skills upgrade)
3. LAMS
Review of the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme has been advocated for the last 26 years and a recommendation for review submitted by VMAC. Victoria needs to catch up NSW, ACT, SA and soon to be introduced, an updated TAS LAMS.
4. Road side hazards
The government ‘Inquiry into Crashes Involving Road Side Objects’, was completed over two years ago with 50 recommendations to be implemented. The Ulysses Club gave lengthy written and verbal evidence to the Inquiry. Why aren’t the vital recommendations being implemented, as most are very advantageous for motorcyclists. Why cannot Part 15 of the Austroads Standards (“Motorcycle Safety”) be made mandatory, rather than advisory, as it would, if mandated, assist all road users?
5. Rider responsibilities
There is very strong evidence in the majority of fatal crashes involving a
motorcycle, that the actual cause was that the motorcyclists experienced ‘rider error’ in single vehicle crashes. Riders must be responsible for their own safety. Hence, a direct link to point (2) above, was made.
The Minister agreed to the following:
That VicRoads had agreed to supply a draft copy of the new Motorcycle Safety at the December 2006 VMAC meeting. The strategy was not tabled at that meeting. Copies of the South Australian Motorcycle Strategy and the brilliant British Motorcycle Strategy, were handed to the Minister, as appropriate examples of workable solutions. The British version goes a step further in advocating the advantages of motorcycles in the transport system. The point was also made that motorcycles did not rate a mention in the recently released Victorian Transport Plan. The Minister agreed to liaise with Vicroads to ensure that the replacement draft Victorian Motorcycle Strategy would be made available to VMAC members as soon as possible.
The need for rider training was discussed. Riders are crashing due to a lack of riding experience. There are two ways of gaining and fast tracking such vital experience, firstly, through the ‘school of hard knocks’ following basic mandatory training and secondly, through participation in an appropriate rider training course(s). The analogy was made between holders of private aircraft licenses, where pilots must be regularly re-examined for skills whereas motorcyclists, where necessary skill levels are not all that far removed from those needed to pilot a light aircraft, received no training at all, unless they do so voluntarily.
The matter of full or partial government subsidization of rider training from the TAC safety levy was recommended. The most successful Yarra Ranges observed road course rider programme, incorporating the HART model of rider training, was referred to as an excellent example of potential funded support. The Minister was very interested in this concept.
The point was made that the Ulysses Club and MRAA have a similar scheme, whereby rebates of up to $60 are made to members undertaking approved rider training courses. The question was asked, “..why can’t government match this offer, which would reduce the rider cost burden for most training courses?”
What is happening with LAMS in Victoria? VMAC is unanimous in supporting a revised LAMS including the removal of 250cc high powered motorcycles (‘pocket rockets’) as novice rider motorcycles and adopting less fatiguing models of up to 660cc with a power to weight ratio of 150 kilowatts per tonne, with an assumed rider mass of 90kgs, in line with SA, NSW and ACT. This would assist more mature returnees and novice riders alike. (Experience in other States with a 660cc restricted power to weight ratio LAMS, show no abnormalities in the motorcycle crash rates or demographics since the introduction of LAMS.) Some legislative changes are required but the Minister stated, in his belief, that a revised LAMS would be implemented within 6 months. Good news there!
The recommendations arising from the Governments ‘Inquiry into Crashes Involving Roadside Objects’ was referred to. The Minister and his Secretary appreciated this document being tabled and indicated an understanding that most of the 50 recommendations need to be implemented as soon as possible, as many directly influence safer motorcycling within Victoria.
As an example, the recent unnecessary tragic motorcycle fatality on the way to the Phillip Island Moto GP was referred to. The need for Vicroads to be more vigilant and reactive when receiving reports of unsafe road conditions was highlighted.
The need for riders to be more responsible for their own safety was discussed. This was referred back to the absolute need for some sort of ongoing rider training.
During the meeting the subject of the $54 levy was broached. The Minister made it clear that the levy was here to stay. We countered by asking that the levy be applied to motorcycle license holders and not on registered motorcycles, which would give not only a financial windfall, but also improve rider safety in the motorcycle arena.
• This recommendation could double levy income, as there are currently 267,000 license holders in Victoria and 117,000 registered motorcycles.
• It would remove the inequity against multiple motorcycle owners.
• The safety advantage would be that dormant license holders: i.e. those with a current license but do not ride, would be enticed to cancel their motorcycle license and removed from the database, thereby avoiding the $54. Dormant motorcycle license holders pose a problem if they only ride very occasionally. Their skill levels and abilities are questionable.
• If returning to riding they would then require a training course rather than just step onto any motorcycle as they currently can.
Government could possibly reap more than twice as much in income from this new proposed levy on license holders in lieu of registered motorcycles and thereby fairly distribute the burden of the levy. I have asked our Ulysses representative to push this within VMAC some time, which he done without any success, due to VicRoads objections.
The Minister, in summing up the meeting concluded that it had been a very fruitful exercise and he requested we meet again in seven months to review progress and outcomes.
Dale Maggs presented the Minister with an MRA cap and the Minister agreed to a group photograph to mark this memorable occasion.
Participants left the Ministerial Offices on Collins Street with a feeling that the future of motorcycle safety and awareness in Victoria was about to take a giant step forward. Only time will tell. Without doubt, this was one of the most open and frank meetings with a Minister, where motorcycling has been discussed in a receptive manner.
Those who attended look forward to the next meeting in seven months. We will be closely monitoring progress on items during this period and will be keeping in close touch with each other and the Minister’s office.
Subsequent Actions
Following the meeting the Minister’s office has contacted Dale Maggs for further advice.
The Minister has met with Neil O’Keefe (VMAC Chair). Neil has subsequently met with Vic Roads and the Minister will be attending the next VMAC meeting. There are several initiatives being put forward, including serious training proposals which are being looked on favourably.