The Andrews Labor Government are working to keep Yuroke’s motorcyclists safer and better equipped with a package of new initiatives, following a devastating start the year on Victoria’s roads.

Motorcyclists are over-represented in road trauma — they make up less than four per cent of registered vehicles, yet riders account for 15 per cent of deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

The $1 million package, to be funded through the Motorcycle Safety Levy, will introduce a range of safety, educational and rider mobility initiatives.

A learner and novice rider pack will be developed containing tips and resources to give motorcyclists a safe start on the road. The pack will include high – visibility vests and other safety equipment.

VicRoads surveillance officers will be trained and equipped to better identify road imperfections and other potential hazards for motorcyclists

A motorcycle protective clothing star rating system, known as MotoCAP, will be further promoted to help riders make better choices when it comes to buying safety gear.

To complete the funding package, a trial allowing motorcyclists to use bus lanes is being expanded to investigate the mobility benefits to riders.

The trial currently underway on Hoddle Street will be expanded to include the Eastern Freeway inbound from the Chandler Highway to Hoddle Street, and Victoria Parade between Hoddle Street and Brunswick Street.

The Motorcycle Safety Levy was introduced in October 2002 to provide specific funding to reduce motorcycle related road trauma.

The package comes as the TAC re-launches its Perfect Ride motorcycle safety campaign urging Victorian riders to take care when using our roads.

The campaign addresses five key safety issues that recreational riders encounter and can contribute to a crash – speed, cornering, road position, road surfaces, and foreign objects and other road users.

This investment is part of the Labor Government’s $1.4 billion investment in the Towards Zero Road Safety Strategy, and the Labor Government will continue to invest in the things that save lives on our roads.