Motorcycle Safety
Motorcyclists are one of the more vulnerable groups of road users on Australian roads. Therefore it is vitally important that riders gain as much road safety information as possible to assist in ensuring their safety on the road.
There has been a growth in the popularity of motorcycling over recent years. This is reflected in the figures for national motorcycle sales registrations. There were some 7,500 motorcycles and motor scooters on the ACT register in January 2005, growing to 9,600 in January 2008 and 12,000 in January 2011. However in the ACT, from 2006 to 2010, 17 riders and pillions have lost their lives through mistakes on their part or by others.
Motorcycles offer little protection to the rider in the event of a mishap and the consequences of even a minor crash can be severe.
This is why awareness programs promote respect for the road rules, helmets are required to be worn and riders are encouraged to wear protective clothing and to use "roadcraft" whenever they ride.
The ACT Government requires all novice riders to complete training programs prior to obtaining their licence. All riders are encouraged to do additional courses to maintain and improve their skills.
As a rider there are some simple things that you can do to improve your safety:
- Maintain your bike, tyres and gear. A good helmet, protective clothing, boots and gloves, go a long way to reducing the damage to a rider if something goes wrong.
- Do not speed. Obey all road rules. Being predictable and consistent will help other road users anticipate your riding position.
- Don’t drink and ride. A rider needs a clear head and sharp reflexes to keep safe and enjoy the ride.
- Use “roadcraft” to build a “buffer zone”, and then ride within it, adjusting your speed and position to maintain that space.
- Do a course to learn or revise the mental & physical skills needed to be a safe rider on a modern machine on modern roads.
- As a fellow road user, don’t invade the motorcyclists “buffer zone”. Motorcyclists need room to manoeuvre to maximise their safety with respect to sight, surface and space.
Review of ACT Motorcycle Licensing Arrangements
A review of ACT motorcycle licensing, training and testing requirements has recently been completed.
A copy of the Chief Minister’s Media Release in relation to the review can be found at the Chief Minister's website under "Media Room".
The review, which was put together in consultation with motorcycle stakeholders, covers a range of issues relating to ACT licensing requirements, the pre-learner licence course, the pre-provisional licence course and the ACT provisional motorcycle licence test.
Along with improving the safety of motorcyclists, the review also aimed to make the ACT arrangements more consistent with those in NSW.
The main recommendation of the review is that the ACT pre-provisional course become compulsory, as is the case in NSW. It is currently only compulsory if an ACT learner rider fails the provisional licence test. The Chief Minister has asked TAMS for further advice on what is required to make this change, and when it can be implemented.
Other recommendations include reviewing the content of the pre-learner and pre-provisional courses, reducing the learner licence period from 24 months to 12 months and aligning the ACT provisional motorcycle licence test with recent changes in NSW.
A copy of the motorcycle review document can be found here.
Learner Rider information:
The Licence process is explained at the rego.com website.
Learner and novice motorcycle licence holders can only ride motorcycles with a power to weight ratio NOT EXCEEDING 150 kilowatts per tonne until they have held a provisional motorcycle licence for 12 months.
To view the Motorcycle Power to Weight Ratios Brochure and the List of approved motorcycles, please select from the links below:
- Motorcycle Power to Weight Ratios Brochure (
PDF 385Kb ) - List of approved motorcycles ( PDF 36Kb )
Revise your Road Rules using the following information:
![[External Link]](http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0014/17150/externallinkimage.gif){kind=small}
The following link to the NSW RTA website provides information on a number of motorcycle riding issues, including motorcycle safety measures and riding tips:
