Tag Archives: road safety

Crashed riders risk negligent charge

More and more riders are being charged with negligent driving (riding) after a single-vehicle crash, says NSW traffic and criminal law specialist Chris Kalpage.

Our contributing lawyer has previously written articles about defending various charges and last time he addressed the issues arising out of dangerous driving and negligent driving causing death or grievous bodily harm.

He now tackles this increasing risk of a negligent driving charge for which penalties can be quite severe:

Chris Kalpage defencesChris Kalpage sets up for a track session

Negligent driving

The concept of negligence is whether the person charged was not riding in the manner of a reasonably prudent motorist, considering all the circumstances.

Often if police are called to a single-vehicle accident where the bike has come down there is a risk the rider will be charged with negligent driving.

Two cases I defended come to mind.

Case 1

Old Pac gets more ‘safety barriers’Riders on the Old Pac (Photo courtesy of Valley Images)

One morning my client was riding his Aprilia RSV on the Old Pacific Highway, tipped into a corner at below the speed limit and lost his front end on slippery leaf mulch. You could substitute that for moss, oil, gravel from filling in potholes, or anything on the road surface.

He dragged himself to the Armco and sat down, his leg was broken. To his surprise, a tow truck and ambulance stopped to assist. As he was traveling to Gosford Hospital he heard over the radio that they had picked up the wrong accident victim, so they stopped at the next accident scene some kilometres from where he had crashed.

While the paramedics were assisting the other rider, a highway patrol officer at the second scene spoke to my client while he was in the back of the ambulance. He asked what had happened and my client explained about the leaf mulch. The officer further interviewed my client in hospital.

My client subsequently received an infringement for negligent driving which we defended.

The police officer’s evidence was that my client had told him he had lost his front wheel on leaf mulch. However, the officer said he attended the site and there was no leaf mulch, inferring that my client was riding with negligence.

In calling for the officer’s notebook in cross examination of him, it was clear the officer had noted my client indicated he had lost his front wheel suddenly on hitting the mulch. In cross-examination of the officer it was established that the notebook was the totality of the content of the discussion with my client.  It was further conceded by the officer that my client had said nothing more.

It was conceded that there were many corners between where the officer saw my client in the ambulance and where the accident had occurred.

The obvious conclusion was that the officer could not correctly identify the exact corner of the crash and by inference had not attended the site as was stated. The officer’s questionable evidence was rejected, my client’s evidence favourably received and he was found not guilty.

Case 2

Oxley Highway businesses eventRiders on the Oxley Highway

Another client was riding his Ducati 748 down the Oxley Highway when he hit a wedge of tarmac, possibly caused by heat forming a lip in the soft asphalt. His bike was knocked into gravel on the opposite side of the road.

Again my client had a broken leg and the ambulance was called. A regional highway patrol officer turned up at the site about 20 minutes later. Again, he had not seen how the accident occurred and had no evidence from witnesses, but formed the view that as an accident had occurred my client must have been traveling too fast.

At the hearing, the prosecutor agreed with me that the highway patrol officer could not provide expert post accident crash analysis. That is the remit of the specially trained police crash investigation unit. The case was adjourned so representations could be made.

However, the officer chose to press on with the case. Even though the magistrate allowed the evidence — which I believe should not have been — he took into account the officer’s lack of expertise and was prepared to accept my client’s evidence. He dismissed the prosecution.

Conclusion

A mere accident does not automatically mean that the rider was negligent. The prosecution needs to establish that you were driving or riding without the standard of care and attention reasonably expected of the ordinary prudent driver.

Even if you run into the back of a vehicle that suddenly stops, it does not mean your manner of driving was negligent.

I defended a retired motorcycle highway patrol officer with significant riding experience who ran into the back of a car because he had to apply emergency braking right where there was a sudden change in the road condition. He was acquitted at hearing.

So, if you have to brake suddenly and do it on a patch of diesel causing you to run into the car in front that may not constitute negligence. The court has to take into account all the circumstances of the case as embodied in the legislation, a part of which is printed below:

NSW ROAD TRANSPORT ACT 2013 – SECT 117

Negligent, furious or reckless driving

117 Negligent, furious or reckless driving

(cf STM Act, s 42)

(1) A person must not drive a motor vehicle on a road negligently.

(3) In considering whether an offence has been committed under this section, the court is to have regard to all the circumstances of the case, including the following:

(a) the nature, condition and use of the road on which the offence is alleged to have been committed,

(b) the amount of traffic that actually is at the time, or which might reasonably be expected to be, on the road,

(c) any obstructions or hazards on the road (including, for example, broken down or crashed vehicles, fallen loads and accident or emergency scenes).

(Editor’s note: This is a NSW law, but there are similar rules in most jurisdictions.)

This relates to the specific circumstances of the particular incident and this is one situation where every case is different. No two situations are alike so they require careful analysis. Don’t assess your case based on someone you know who had a similar situation and got a certain result, as you could be very wrong.

Disclaimer

This article is for reader information and interest only and is based on New South Wales law. It is not intended to be comprehensive, and does not constitute and must not be relied on as legal advice.

Please be aware that every case is different and the matters raised may not be of specific relevance to your situation but may have a general application. You must seek specific advice tailored to your circumstances. Chris is happy to talk to anyone needing clarification. He can be contacted on 0418 211074.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Rider seriously injured in Southport crash

A 24-year-old male rider has been seriously injured in a collision with a car in Southport this morning (25 January 2020).

Queensland Police say their initial investigations indicate that about 8.50am, a blue Toyota Corolla hatchback and a red Yamaha motorcycle collided at the intersection of Anne and Shirley streets, Southport.Southport Crash

The rider was seriously injured and transported to hospital in a critical condition.

The 75-year-old female driver of the Corolla was transported to hospital in a stable condition.

We sincerely wish both injured motorists a full and speedy recovery.

Police are appealing to any members of the public who may have witnessed the crash or have relevant dash-cam footage to contact police.

Forensic Crash Unit are investigating.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

Quote this reference number: QP2000172627

Intersection crashes

Two out of every three accidents (66.7%) occur at intersections, according to the 2017 US Motorcycle Crash Causation Study.

Most accidents involving motorcycles and other vehicles occur when the other vehicle is turning across their path.

The result can be lethal as the rider hits the car in a t-bone fashion, rather than a glancing blow.

Check our tips for avoiding these types of crashes.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Who will fill rider representation void?

The RACQ says it will help fill the perceived void in rider representation to government after the Motorcycle Riders Association of Queensland officially closed last week.

Former president Chris Mearns blamed the MRAQ closure on rider apathy.

Comments on our article about the closure last week offer a wide variety of views of the efficacy of the MRAQ and whether it should continue or be replaced by another organisation. 

Minister advised

RACQ spokesman Steve Spalding, Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey and MRAQ president Chris Mearns - learner ridersTransport Minister Mark Bailey (centre) with RACQ spokesman Steve Spalding and MRAQ president Chris Mearns at a 2015 media event

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey says he and the department were advised of the MRAQ’s closure.

However, he suggests it leaves no void in rider representation at a government level.

“TMR regularly engages with several stakeholders on matters that relate to Queensland riders and will continue to do so,” the Minister says.

“For example, RACQ are consulted on all initiatives in addition to attending regular meetings, a Q-Ride industry forum is held annually, and Q-Ride trainers have a dedicated contact officer within TMR to contact about Q-ride and other motorcycle related matters.”

The RACQ is the biggest club in Queensland with more than a million paid members and most likely the largest number of motorcycle riders.

Will RACQ fill void?

Steve Spalding RACQ voidSteve Spalding RACQ

Several of the key RACQ staff are also riders, including Technical and Safety Officer Steve Spalding.

“The RACQ regularly contributes to government policy and local council discussions on motorcycle issues, particularly road safety, to promote greater awareness of rider vulnerability, along with practical advice and information that helps makes it safer for them,” Steve says.

“RACQ has also supported greater theft prevention awareness by partnering with the Queensland Police Service on securing motorcycles parked at home or in public spaces.

“We successfully advocated for the reinstatement of government funding for the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council which tracks and collates data on all vehicle theft including motorcycles.

Motorcycle theft Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich and Steve Spalding RACQSenior Constable Tony Tatkovich and Steve Spalding RACQ with a motorcycle disc lock

“RACQ provides advice to members on motorcycle ownership, care and maintenance, through its technical advisory service and recently appointed a Mackay based Approved Riding School to help learners in that area connect with a Q-Ride trainer,” Steve says.

Advisory group

In the void of a rider-initiated representative group, we asked Minister Bailey if he was considering a ministerial advisory panel of motorcycle experts.

The Victorian Government had the Motorcycle Experts Advisory Committee, but is now in the throes of replacing it with the new Motorcycling Community Engagement Panel.

However, Minister Bailey says TMR is “not considering a motorcycle riders panel”.

“However, the department welcomes any opportunity to improve engagement with Queensland riders and industry,” he says.

New group?

Jimboomba police training course pilot programSteve McDowall

Former MRAQ member and SMART Rider trainer Steve McDowall says he has had discussions with riders since the meeting.

“A number of us recognise the need for a body that adequately represents the interests of riders in Queensland, both to government and amongst the community in general,” he says.

“There has to be perceivable benefits for riders and an organisation that the government can have faith in.

“I’m not suggesting that the MRAQ didn’t have that trust from the government but it’s obvious that it didn’t have the support of the riding community.

“How we create that body/organisation that meets those criteria is what the initial discussions have been around, and at this time there are no definite plans in place but there is a desire among a group of us to ensure that body is created.

“It’s going to be a massive task.”

Motorbike Writer comment

Rider apathy seems to be in abundance nationwide as many riders gravitate to free and informal social media groups.

Consequently, incorporated rider representative associations struggle for paid members and volunteers to nominate for laborious and thankless executive positions.

In the midst of such endemic apathy there seems little point in trying to fill any perceived void in advocacy with yet another doomed association.

As Albert Einstein is oft (probably erroneously) quote:

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

I must disclose I am an RACQ member, I write their monthly motorbike review and am good riding mates with Steve Spalding and motoring editor Barry Green (another rider).

For all its flaws, the RACQ provides perhaps the best advocacy for motorcyclists of any of the state automotive clubs.

It would have the largest number of motorcyclists in its membership so it owes we riders to properly represent us.

I trust Steve and RACQ’s advocacy team will work hard to push our cause in the boardrooms and backrooms, and I am hopeful that in the next few months we can organise a joint survey on rider needs.

In the meantime, riders who a re members can contact the RACQ if they need assistance with an issue.

Instead, I fear the same vocal “keyboard warriors” who helped destroy the MRAQ will continue to white-ant rider groups around the country.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Double demerits for Australia Day weekend

Police in all states will be out in force over the Australia Day long weekend with double demerits applying from tomorrow (24 January 2020) in NSW, the ACT and Western Australia until midnight Monday.

in NSW, they’re calling it Operation Safe Return and they are asking motorists to “look after themselves and others in the true spirit of ‘mateship’ this Australia Day long weekend”.

They promise a high-visibility presence.

Be aware that one high-range speeding offence could be enough to get your licence suspended for several months under double demerit points.

Double demerits danger

Riders from Victoria, Tasmania, Northern Territory and South Australia passing through NSW, ACT or WA during any declared holiday period do not cop the double demerits.

Police cops speed speeding sensation annual demerit

However, Queensland riders should note that there is also a double-demerit points system effectively in place all year round.

The law in Queensland is that double points do apply to speeding offences of 21km/h or greater over the speed limit and seatbelt offences if they occur more than once within a 12 month period.

If you incur the penalty in another state, it still applies as if it happened in Queensland.

Lawyer Stephen Hayles of Macrossan and Amiet Solicitors says he has been asked by clients about the system after copping a fine in an applicable state.

“For example if you commit two speeding offences of driving 21km/h over the speed limit in a 12 month period, you will be allocated four demerit points for the first offence and four demerit points for the second offence plus an additional four demerit points,” he says.

“This means that you will have accumulated 12 demerit points within a 12 month period and you risk having your licence suspended.”

How demerit points are recorded

NSW police blitz demerit

Double points apply in NSW and ACT over the Australia Day weekend, Easter, Anzac Day, Queen’s Birthday, Labour Day and Christmas/New Year.

In WA, the double points apply on Australia Day (unless it falls on a week day), Labour Day, Easter, Anzac Day (unless it falls on a week day), Western Australia Day, Queen’s Birthday, and Christmas/New Year.

If a rider in another state commits a traffic offence in a state during a double-demerit period, the offence is recorded as a double demerit offence on their traffic history in the state where the offence happened.

The state licensing authority will then report the offence to the transport department in your state who will record the offence on your traffic history.

However, the double points will only apply in Queensland under the circumstances described above.

Choice of penalty

Stephen says that if you have committed a traffic offence recently and you receive a Queensland Transport notice that you have accumulated your allowed demerits, you will have a choice of a good driving behaviour period or a licence suspension for a period.

“When considering whether to agree to a good behaviour driving behaviour period and a licence suspension, it is important that a licence holder understands that accepting a suspension of their licence may preclude them from making an Application for a Special Hardship Order or an Application for a Restricted (Work) Licence for the next five years,” he warns.

If you are unsure about how many demerit points you have, you can search your record online at your state’s transport department website or call them and request a copy of your traffic history.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoCAP adds 15 safety and comfort ratings

The internationally awarded MotoCAP safety and thermal comfort ratings system for motorcycle clothing has added 15 more items to its list of tested gear.

The Australian safety intitiative, launched in September last year, is the first of its type in the world.

It has now rated 186 items of clothing, including 50 pairs of pants, 90 jackets and 46 pairs of gloves.

Safety and comfort

Macna Vosges Nighteye comfortMacna Vosges Nighteye

Of the newly rated jackets, two were leather which scored two stars for safety. All the others were textile and scored just one star for safety except the Alpinestars T-Core Air Drystar and Macna Vosges Nighteye which scored two stars.

The best of the newly added jackets  for beating the current heatwave was the $500 Spidi Ventamax (top image on this page) which scored three stars for thermal comfort. The others scored from half a star to two stars.

Best of the newly rated pants are the Bull-It Covert Blue which scored two stars for safety and three for comfort and the BMW City denim trousers which only scored one safety star but four for comfort.

International award

Last month, MotoCAP won a Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) road safety award.

MotoCAP gives clothing two separate star ratings – one for protection and one for heat management or comfort.

Clothing manufacturers’ advertising is not an extremely useful resource for protection in a crash or from the extremes of an Australian summer.

Australian Motorcycle Council Protective Clothing sub-committee chair Brian Wood points out that MotoCAP tests the whole garment, unlike European Protective Clothing Standards which only tests samples of fabrics, fastenings and stitching.

“(It) gives the motorcycle community more information when they are making choices about the clothing they wear when riding,” he says.

MotoCAP is a partnership between Transport for NSW, State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), VicRoads, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC), Lifetime Support Authority (LSA), Western Australian Police: Road Safety Commission, Department of State Growth, Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Australian Motorcycle Council and Accident Compensation Corporation in New Zealand.

Testing is carried out by the Deakin University Institute for Frontier Materials on behalf of the MotoCAP partners.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Video: dangerous police rider pursuit

Video of a dangerous UK police pursuit of three unregistered trail bikes through city streets has again put police pursuits under question.

The officer pursued the three riders who rode at almost triple the speed limit, on footpaths, through red lights and the wrong way down streets because the bikes were not registered and therefore not insured.

Seems like a flippant reason to endanger the life of the rider, other road users and pedestrians.

It follows three rider deaths in the past year in Australia after high-speed pursuits were started, but then called off.

In the UK pursuit, West Midlands Police caught only one of three riders, Owen Guest, 20, by using a stinger to deflate his Kawasaki’s tyres.

He was charged with dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance.

He was given 14 months in a young offenders institute, suspended for a year, and ordered to abide by a curfew and do 80 hours of unpaid community work. He was was also given a two-year driving ban and his bike was crushed.

The video does not show at what speed the riders were illegally riding their bike before the pursuit started, but it seems they went wild once they were pursued.

Dangerous pursuits

A leading police study has found the three most pressing issues for police reform around the world are use of force, policing of violence in families and high-speed pursuits.

A 2009 Australian Institute of Criminology study found deaths in custody at police stations are declining but “deaths in custody” as a result of high-speed pursuits were rising.

While less than 1% of police pursuits results in a fatal crash, 38% of the people killed are innocent bystanders.

It’s much worse in the USA where one person dies every day as a result of a police pursuit. Of those deaths, 1% are police, 55% suspects and 44% bystanders.

Most police procedures acknowledge the judgement of the officer at the scene to begin a pursuit.

However, continuation of a dangerous pursuit is then deferred to a senior officer at the station or headquarters.

They have to make a quick judgement based on how dangerous the pursuit is to the community versus the lethal risk to the community of letting a serious offender escape.

This must be backed by information, not just mere suspicion.

Queensland police figures show only about 3% of pursuits involved imminent threat to life or a suspect escaping after a homicide.

Police have a duty to not only prevent and control crime, but more importantly, they have a duty to protect the community and that includes from their own reckless behaviour and judgement.

Click her to read about a police and media pursuit that encouraged a motorcycle rider to perform stunts for the cameras.

Police pursuit pursuitsTV chopper captures pursued rider performing stunts

Restrictive practices

Despite criticism from police unions, most pursuit policies around the world, including the USA, are becoming more restrictive.

In many jurisdictions, pursuits are only allowed if there is a serious risk to public safety or in relation to a major crime involving death or injury.

However, there is an issue about making these pursuit policies public. Some say they should be public to show transparency while others believe it would give criminals clues on how to evade police.

Those who support pursuits point out that the number of people evading police is rising as a result of more restrictive pursuit policies, despite higher penalties for evading police.

Making the issue more complex is the degree of the pursuit.

Should there be an upper speed limit for police? Should police be allowed to break other road rules in the pursuit?

There have been incidences of police driving at more than 200km/h in a pursuit and on the road side of a major highway.

Another issue is whether police should be criminally culpable in the instance of a death resulting from a pursuit.

To a degree, technologies such as CTV, helicopters and number plate recognition cameras, negate the need for pursuits, anyway.

* What do you think about police pursuits? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Minimum rider age limit increased

The minimum rider age for South Australians will be raised by two years with some concessions, but they have dodged a plan for mandatory hi-vis vests as in Victoria.

Around the nation it is getting tougher and tougher for young people to get motorcycle licences with Queensland even requiring them to first hold a car licence for a year.

The Australian trend to make it more difficult for younger riders runs contrary to Europe.

In Germany, the minimum rider age has recently been lowered from 16 to 15 while the moped and restricted motorcycle licence (up to 125cc) minimum age in Latvia and Estonia is 14; 15 in France, Czech Republic, Spain; and 16 in Portugal, Romania.

These countries believe that getting teenagers on to motorcycles teaches them a sense of vulnerability and roadcraft before they are let loose on larger bikes or cars.

SA Police Minister Corey Wingard said they would introduce the new bill on graduated motorcycle licensing in the next few months.

Minimum age

The Minister said that last year there were 17 fatal motorcycle crashes in SA with 11 aged under 31 while the youngest was 16.

How does increasing the minimum age have anything to do with those figures, except for maybe that one fatality?

He also says that between 2014-18 young motorcycle riders were over-represented in serious crash data with 10% involving riders aged 15-19, 11% involving riders aged 20-24 and 10% riders 25-29.

So those over 29 represented 69% of serious crashes!

In fact, national statistics from 1995 to 2019 show a steady decrease in fatalities among under 30-year-old riders from 562 in the five-year period from 1995 to ’99 to 312 from 2015 to ’19.

Over the past five years, under 30s have not had the largest number of fatalities, being overtaken for the first time by over 50s with 323 deaths.

This could be the result of tougher licensing laws.

However, it could also be due to the fact that the number of young riders getting licenses has declined while the number of returned riders has increased.

The statistical trends are similar in all states including Queensland and South Australia where under-30s fatalities have halved since 1995.

New rules

The new SA rules will allow various exclusions for students, workers and regional residents.

For example, regional resident aged 16 and 17 can get a restricted motorcycle learner’s permit to travel to tertiary education, vocational education and training or for work.

Also 17-year-olds with a current provisional car licence can get a motorcycle learner’s permit.

There will also be a night curfew on under 25s from midnight to 5am unless the rider has an exemption which is in line with current rules for p-plate drivers.

Rider advocacy group Ride to Review says the restrictions could have been worse.

Rode to Review Tim Kelly learn licence licensing plans incorrectTim Kelly of Ride to Review

Spokesman Tim Kelly says they worked hard with the government to secure the concessions and to avoid the planned mandatory hi-vests.

Full details of the new Bill have not yet been released, but previous recommendations included: displaying correct plates, restricting pillions, mandatory carriage of licence, zero blood alcohol, a lower demerit point threshold for disqualification and no mobile phones.

Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) motorcycle spokesman Rhys Griffiths says tougher licensing laws across the nation have put the motorcycle industry under “more pressure than we’ve ever had in the past”.

He says the tougher licensing laws have dramatically increased the price of obtaining a motorcycle licence and may have led to an increase in unlicensed riding.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

UK motorcyclist fatalities increase yet casualties decrease

(Contributed UK post)

In most respects, the world is becoming a safer place and UK roads are no exception. According to a recent government report, more than 25,000 serious injuries occurred in road traffic accidents reported to the police in 2018. While this might seem a high figure, it is actually part of a downward trend. The rate of fatalities per billion vehicle miles has actually fallen by 1% over the year from 2017 to 2018, with a proportionate fall in accident claims. Over the long term, the trend is even more pronounced; there were 6352 road fatalities in 1979, and just 1784. When you consider that the population of the country has risen over the intervening decades, this is a fairly impressive turnaround.

What has made UK roads safer?

Several factors are behind this improvement. For one thing, we’re all better drivers – or, at least, we’re more aware of the types of driving that qualify as dangerous. In 1967, the Road Safety Act introduced the UK’s first drink-drive limit, along with the breathalyser test. But it took gradual cultural change before the idea of ‘one for the road’ became widely disapproved-of.

Another influence comes from the vehicles themselves. Crumple zones, airbags and seat belts have all been around for a while, but they’re just the most obvious examples of a broader trend toward safer vehicles.

Other short-term factors can reduce the casualty number. For example, anything that reduces the amount of traffic on the road, like a hike in the price of fuel or a decline in wages, will also slash the rate of accidents.

Motorcyclists

Just about every category of road vehicle has enjoyed a decline in fatality-rates over the year between 2017 and 2018. But there is one exception, and that’s motorcycles, where the rate has risen by 1%. With that said, the rate of casualties has fallen by 7%. You’ll find similar statistics in other countries, like the US, which suggests that the problem lies with the vehicle itself rather than any quirk of UK law.

So what makes motorcyclists such a special category? To begin with the obvious, motorcycles have two wheels rather than four, and so the rider’s skill can play a much more important role in preventing a fatal injury during a crash.

Second, motorcycles are smaller and more difficult to see than other sorts of vehicle. This lack of visibility makes it more likely that another motorist will pull out into the wrong lane, for example, resulting in an accident.

Third, while motorcycles come with their own safety features, they’re not developed with the same focus on safety as the equivalent cars. Moreover, airbags and mirrors and other safety equipment take up space, and add weight. On a smaller vehicle, presents a dilemma for manufacturers.

Finally, motorcycles are generally more fun to ride, and offer a sense of freedom which can encourage riders to take unnecessary risks.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Should drivers ride light motorcycles?

A new survey has found a large majority of European riders believe drivers should be allowed to ride light motorcycles up to 125cc on a full car licence.

In Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory, licensed drivers have been able to ride a 50cc scooter or moped for decades without having to do any sort of extra test.

However, in some states there are restrictions such as not carrying a pillion or riding on freeways or motorways.

Some European countries allow drivers to ride motorcycles up to 125cc and 15 horsepower such as the Honda Grom and Monkey bikes and the Kawasaki Z125 with little or no extra training or licensing.

Jake Dolan on the Honda Grom light motorcyclesHonda Grom

The Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations conducted a survey to see whether this should be extended to all of Europe and found riders largely agreed.

However, they say drivers should take some motorcycle lessons. There is no such requirement in Australia.

Training for light motorcycles

The Adventurists Monkey Bikes Monkey Runs Romania tall returned riders light motorcyclesMake sure the bike suits your needs … and your height!

Several rider representation groups have called for competency training for car drivers to be allowed to ride.

University safety researcher and Triumph Street Triple ride Ross Blackman confirms that many riders believe moped riders should be required to have a motorcycle licence.

“I’m not sure that this is supported by the stats, acknowledging that non-injury crashes are generally not reported,” he says.

“Something that muddies the waters here now is the rise of electric bicycles which, operationally, are similar to mopeds in terms of trip purpose etc.”

CARRS-Q QUT researcher dr Ross Blackman Motorbike online survey moped mopedsRoss Blackman

There have been no changes to the moped rules over the past few decades, despite most states reviewing their motorcycle licensing.

A Queensland Transport and Main Roads spokesperson says a 2012 review of moped licensing found the severity of moped crashes was lower overall compared with motorcycles.

This research determined there was no requirement for changes to licensing requirements.

Crashes involving mopeds within Queensland, 1 January 2013 to 31 May 2019.

Crash severity

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Fatal

3

0

0

0

1

2

1

Hospitalisation

78

78

41

44

65

61

22

Medical treatment

56

52

45

44

34

42

18

Minor injury

10

7

8

10

11

17

6

Total crashes

147

137

94

98

111

122

Compare that with motorcycle and scooter crashes (excluding mopeds).

Crash severity 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Fatal 42 37 54 64 50 41
Hospitalisation 930 932 968 966 935 960

However, we note that there may be significantly fewer people riding mopeds on car licences.

It is impossible to gauge exact numbers given many may only hire them.

Queensland registration statistics also don’t different mopeds from motorcycles.

Western Australia’s Department of Transport also reviewed moped licensing in 2014.

“Discontinuing moped operation on a car licence was not supported due to there being little evidence that moped riders in WA were overrepresented in crashes compared to other powered two wheelers,” a spokesperson says.

“DoT would reconsider moped operation on a car licence should data show that moped riders are overrepresented in crashes in WA, and that there was evidence to support that discontinuing the approach would result in considerable road safety benefits.”

WA registration stats show a 33% increase in moped registrations from 2011 to 2015.

“This could have been attributed to an increase in traffic congestion, lack of available parking, need for economical and convenient transport and that the holder of any valid class of driver s licence is also authorised to ride a moped,” the spokesperson says.

Pros and cons

Repsol Honda Racing Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa race mopedsMoped racing

We can see pros and cons in allowing drivers to ride mopeds.

On the positive side, it’s great for tourist areas where foreigners can hire a moped to get around.

It also allows drivers to experience the thrill of riding and hopefully encourage them to go for their full licence.

The licensing also allows inner-city residents to get around cheaply and conveniently without the expense of a motorcycle licence they may never need.

There is also a host of great light electric motorcycles and scooters hitting the market that qualify under the moped rules.

On the negative side, we see a lot of stupid moped riders doing some dangerous and illegal things on the roads.

An example is filtering. It is illegal to filter unless you are a fully licensed rider, for a start.

Secondly, we see moped riders filter to the front of a queue of traffic at the lights only to hold everyone up when the lights go green because of their slow acceleration.

Unfortunately, the ire drivers feel toward some idiot moped riders filters across to legal and sensible motorcyclists!

  • What do you think? Should moped licensing be extended to other states? Should there be some sort of competency course first? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Riding course free for returned riders

Returned and mature-aged riders are invited to attend a free Back on Your Bike riding course based in Newcastle.

The course on Friday 14 February 2020 is the idea of local rider Chris Tola who ran a similar course in 2015 which was a finalist in the National ACSR Road Safety Awards.

Last year Chris noticed there was funding available in the NSW Community Road Safety Grants to run safety focussed events, so he wrote up an application and was granted $4500.

“So, with the help of friends and family, we’re staging Back on your Bike 2020,” Chris says.

“We’re hoping for around 60 attendees.”

Some quote statistics that show returned riders have the highest proportion of representation in motorcycle crash statistics.

However, Australian Motorcycle Council secretary John Eacott disputes the figures.

He says returned riders are not the major safety risk they have been labelled and is concerned that road safety initiatives are directed to the wrong group.

This Newcastle course is also open to those thinking of becoming a rider.Riding course free for returned riders

Free course

The free one-day Back on Your Bike course is based in Newcastle, but open to any riders who can get their by 8am on the day.

It consists of five sessions focussed on creating greater awareness in road safety, active conversations in best practice motorcycle riding and the sharing of experiences.

There will also be a motorcycle display by Brisan Motorcycles of Newcastle and a short ride to Grahamstown Dam for lunch.

Registrations through Eventbrite are essential as breakfast, coffee and lunch will be provided at no cost – and numbers will be limited.

All participating riders must have a valid licence and a registered motorcycle. Non-riders and pillion passengers are also welcome to attend.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com