http://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/learner-drivers-should-take-motorcycle-lessons-cory-bernardi/story-fnjwucvh-1227133922794
At a meeting in Canberra yesterday, the subject of motorcycling again came up. I do suggest that you read the news item first before you go on because I’m going to address some of the issues raised in it.
Firstly, it is encouraging to read that the concept of motorcycling is being addressed at a pretty high level. For most of its life, motorcycling has inhabited a murky backwater when it comes to the media, public and government perceptions of it. Even its “green” credentials, have not been enough to swing the opinion of the powers-that-be. So to see that people outside the community, people in positions of authority, are starting to address the issues that we, as motorcyclists face, is good news.
Corey Bernardi’s suggestion that ALL learner drivers be taught how to handle a motorcycle is a radical one but one that has been raised from our side of the fence on many occasions in the past. The rationale is that a driver who appreciates what a motorcyclist experiences every day on the road will be a more careful one when they are driving. I like the idea. What the suggestions does not appear to have canvassed is that a driver who has had motorcycle training will not only be a more motorcycle-aware driver (remember the old “Volvo Aware Rider” stickers?) but will be a better driver, FULL STOP. There is nothing better at teaching a novice road sense and good habits than having to ride a motorcycle. Nothing shows you your vulnerability as a road user like being a motorcyclists. Nothing illustrates that fine line between control and the lack of it like riding a motorcycle.
The opposing view is that motorcyclists should first have to get a car licence and experience driving on the roads before they can get a motorcycle licence and be able to use what is an essentially less safe vehicle. There is some merit in this suggestion also, but as AMC President, Shaun Lennard points out in the article, the thrust of this suggestion (from Queensland – where else?) could be seen to be a covert attempt to discourage motorcycling when it has so many positive benefits in so many different areas.
The fact that the Green lobby have firmly and almost totally hijacked the transport debate, especially as it applies to transport in urban and city areas, means that one of the most efficient means of transport within these densely populated areas is a motorcycle and, as Lennard points out, this alternative is almost always ignored in the rush to cater for bicycle riders and users of public transport. Despite billions spent on public transport in Sydney, for example, it is still totally inadequate to deal with the demands being placed upon it. Numerous studies and experiments over the years have proved that, in terms of speed, efficiency and convenience, public transport is a complete failure.
Motorcycle usage (I include scooters in this statistic) is on the rise and it is easy to see why. Despite the alarming figure of over 170 deaths per year form motorcycle accidents, the fact is that, this figure is going down. Better rider education, better protective gear and motorcycles that are more technologically advanced (ABS etc) mean that it should continue to do so. The challenge is to ensure that it continues to do so.
However, the imponderable is what is being done, if anything, to educate the rest of the motorists with whom we share the road about motorcycling? A few encouraging things have started to happen. The RTA here in NSW regularly runs campaigns using illuminated roadside signs with motorcycle-aware messages but this is not enough. Learner drivers must be informed and educated about motorcycling and how they will interact with motorcyclists once on the road themselves. And perhaps Bernardi’s suggestion is a start. Of course the expense and complication of enacting such a plan is the $64 question, isn’t it?
Any moves that will increase awareness of motorcycles and show them and their riders in a more favourable light will get my vote.