Post this to your council

[Big Dave]

Honda Praises Sydney's Approach To Two-Wheelers

4 August 2008 - Honda Australia says all major cities should aim to follow in the footsteps of a proactive new Motorcycle and Scooter Strategy for Sydney announced recently by the city's Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

Moore launched a draft plan to be presented to Sydney City Council that proposes free parking on certain parts of the street, cheaper road tolls for those travelling on two wheels and the installation of public charging points for electric motorcycles.

Further initiatives include street locking devices, discounted rates for parking stations and residential permits, and a safety awareness campaign to better educate drivers.

The plan has been designed to encourage smaller, more environmentally friendly modes of travel and aims to support a shift away from larger, higher polluting vehicles.

"It is fantastic to see that government at a local level are recognising the need to look after those people who opt to use fuel efficient, low emission vehicles," said Honda's General Manager, Motorcycles, Tony Hinton.

"Scooters and motorcycles sales are continuing to go up because people of all ages realise they are a viable commuting alternative in the face of rising fuel costs and environmental issues."

Compared to the first six months of last year, the number of people purchasing road motorcycles has increased by 9% and scooters by nearly 8%, according to figures recently released by the FCAI.

"It is particularly encouraging to see that the City of Sydney is recognising the need to reduce road tolls for riders."

"Motorcycles and scooters take up less space than cars on the road and cause far less wear and tear on infrastructure so it is only fair that riders be offered an incentive."

"We are hopeful that other large cities in Australia will follow suit with those additional initiatives they do not already have in place," Mr Hinton added.

[Trudes]

Well good on Sydney!!
I noticed the tolerance to motorcycles parked on footpaths in Melbourne when I was there too, it was like a stroll through a huge bike park walking the streets, awesome!!

[007XX]

Sydney sounds really good right about now

[oldrider]

Bit of a contrast to the NZ approach to everything on two wheels, like increasing ACC charges etc! John.

[varminter]

This is so far sighted and intelligent....it'll never happen here.

[peasea]

Well good on Sydney!!
I noticed the tolerance to motorcycles parked on footpaths in Melbourne when I was there too, it was like a stroll through a huge bike park walking the streets, awesome!!

You're not wrong. I've even seen HD's parked up all day on those central bike parks in Melbourne. Pity the Yarra stinks tho. (Open sewer that it is....)

[peasea]

This is so far sighted and intelligent....it'll never happen here.

Run for Prezzy mate, I'll vote for ya!

[paturoa]

Also send it to your local MP, I've heard there is an election coming.

[RiderInBlack]

Moore launched a draft plan to be presented to Sydney City Council that proposes free parking on certain parts of the street, cheaper road tolls for those travelling on two wheels and the installation of public charging points for electric motorcycles.
............discounted rates for parking stations and residential permits.

Some of that is awesome...... But (as seen above) there is a lot of "Spin-Doctoring" there too. Most Cities I have parked in already have free parking for bike nearly over the entire city (Whangarei has and so has Tuaranga). I've never ever paid parking anytime I've used the bike anywhere in NZ. Seem to suggest to me that bikes will be charged parking in some of Sydney. As for Tolls, Tuaranga's toll road is free ta use for bikes , opposed to Sydney's "Cheaper Tolls".

Anyway it is still a good idea ta praise City Councils whan they are being helpful, as that is a good way ta encourage them to do more and to look upon Bikers in a more positive light.

[Big Dave]

But (as seen above) there is a lot of "Spin-Doctoring" there too.

From a corporate PR dept? Never.

[Sanx]

Brisbane should learn from it to, as they've announced they're about to start a crackdown on motorcycle parking.

[middleaged2wheeler]

well what an enlightened attitude to motorcyclists---
green footprints recognised--some do bike because of greenie purposes--
carbon credits deserved for some maybe.

[firefighter]

yeah it's a shame n.z only seems to want to discourage it by raising acc, next we'll be paying road user charges because we don't use as much gas so we have to make up for the less amount of tax we pay-or someting to that effect....

good on ya sydney.

[firefighter]

for bike nearly over the entire city (Whangarei has and so has Tuaranga). I've never ever paid parking anytime I've used the bike anywhere in NZ. Seem to suggest to me that bikes will be charged parking in some of Sydney. As for Tolls, Tuaranga's toll road is free ta use for bikes , opposed to Sydney's "Cheaper Tolls"

yes but you can't compare Tauranga "City....lol" to main city centres, like sydney, and as for the toll road, well.....remember when you had to pay to go across tauranga harbour bridge?......bikes had to pay there too, and I think they were charged the same as cars (not 100% on that)

[Big Dave]

I spent my first 23 years in Sydney. It wil always be home. But I left for good in '82.
Sydney's infrastructure, roads, public transport etc is 3 times as good as Auckland's - eg.

Problem is that there are almost 4 times as many people.