Queensland restricts newly qualified bikers; makes ‘P’ plates mandatory

[Bob]

Newly qualified bikers in Queensland will be restricted to riding small capacity machines and will have to display ‘P’ plates to show their newly qualified status, under new laws being introduced in July.

The current capacity limit of 250cc is to be replaced by a restriction based on power-to-weight ratio and engine capacity (exact specifications were not available at the time of writing).

Transport Minister Craig Wallace said that an enhanced road maintenance programme would be put in place, targeting surfaces that pose a particular danger to motorcyclists “'During the next six years, the Queensland government will invest $21 million into improvements at these locations, identified as potential danger spots following consultation with motorcycle groups.”

The new strategy was designed using feedback from more than 2,300 respondents to a consultation paper.

[Laxi]

id love to see the link. Really interested where the state gov considers "danger areas"

Edit: scratch that, just seen it, didn't help though

[Trudes]

Maybe it also has a lot to do with the fact that for a lot of Queenslander bikers the bare minimum of protective clothing they wear is a helmet.... and I'm sure if it wasn't against the law they wouldn't wear those either!

[CookMySock]

The whole NZ roadsafety system is hardly geared toward motorcycles, and is unlikely to be considering the govts recent decisions ala cheescutters etc.

All the NZ roadside signage for roadworks is completely geared towards cars and trucks - there is no motorcycle-specific signage at all, yet there are many motorcycle-specific hazards, some of them (deep chunky gravel) are nearly completely impassable for newbs and semi-experienced riders alike.

There needs to be motorcycle-specific training and signage for the roadworks crews, and where substantial hazards exist there needs to be alternatives to cross the hazard.

Currently, riders warn other riders of hazards of all types, and this thankfully, is unlikely to change, so why not extend it? What if small plastic reflective warning diamonds for motorcyclists were issued freely without charge (write letter, get pack of ten - full motorcycle license holders only) and using these was as simple as hanging one or three over some point on an existing sign. The whole system would be as simple as a nail in the signpost (NZTA does this), a signage production run, and a bit of education for riders. Thats got to be great bang-for-the-buck for the govt, and a great way or helping riders look after themselves.

Steve

[Trudes]

We are talking about Queensland here, Australia, the West Island.