Transport: Motorcycle

The NSW Democrats has a proud record in championing the issues that affect motorcycle riders in NSW. Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans regularly supports and attends the yearly celebrations of motorcycle week organised by the Motorcycle Council of NSW.

Motorcycle usage has increased dramatically in the last five years with the popularity of scooters and many older riders returning to riding. The NSW Government has failed to recognise the importance of motorcycles in the reduction of road traffic and has actively discriminated against motorcycles as opposed to other vehicles that do more damage to our roads.

The NSW Government has also unjustly targeted motorcycle riders under the noise laws and has failed to provide a workable e-tag system for the increasing number of toll roads.

KEY ISSUES

• Tolls should be less than that for cars, which is currently the case
• A safe and workable E-tag needs to be developed or let motorcycles us e-tag only roads for free
• More dedicated motorcycle parking needs to be provided in the CBD
• An inquiry into motorcycle safety is needed. The last one was done in 1984

WHAT HAS DR ARTHUR CHESTERFIELD EVANS DONE?

I have made speeches in Parliament and made representations to Ministers on many occasions in the past 8 years. I have been successful in;

• Overturning the exhaust noise regulation that unfairly targeted motorcycles
• Having fines for motorcyclists booked in bus lanes on the Harbour bridge overturned on two separate occasions
• Requested that the Staysafe Committee inquire into motorcycle safety, especially focusing on the use of wire rope barriers.

WHAT WILL THE DEMOCRATS DO?

I will continue to pursue all the issues important to motorcyclists in NSW including;

• Ongoing consultation with key motorcycle groups
• Speeches in Parliament
• Questions in Parliament and to ministers
• Support of Motorcycle events
• Petitioning of the Staysafe Committee to examine all aspects of motorcycle safety in a comprehensive inquiry
• The extra revenue to be used to pay toll road owners and to provide extra motorcycle parking in the CBD