VACC Supports New Motorcycle On-road Coaching Trial

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA – June 24, 2010: VACC, the peak Automotive Industry body in Victoria, has backed the introduction of a new on-road coaching trial for novice motorcycle riders.

‘VicRide’, launched by the Minister for Roads and Ports, Tim Pallas, aims to find new ways of improving rider skills and ultimately cutting road trauma.

VACC, along with the Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Council (VMAC), has previously called for such an on-road training scheme.

“This is a valuable initiative and one that most certainly could result in saving lives,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.

“All Powered Two Wheelers (PTWs) are legitimate road users but are amongst the most vulnerable. A motorcyclist will often come off second best in a crash, and so any attempt to improve road skills and reduce the road toll is to be welcomed.

“This scheme will provide novice licenced riders with the opportunity to benefit from the experience of professional coaches. Riders will be given a taste of suburban and country riding and will be expected to keep a log of their subsequent on-road experiences. We expect to see the riders who do take up this pilot scheme will develop life saving safe-riding skills,” Mr Purchase said.

Victoria is the first place in the world to adopt such a trial. No other on-road motorcycle safety program has been implemented on such a large scale, or will be evaluated so comprehensively.

“Our hope is that every rider will eventually have the opportunity to experience the coaching course and that, one day, it may become part of PTW licence training,” said Mr Purchase.

“It is also good to see that the $2million budget is funded from the TAC motorcycle levy. While the levy is not popular, in this instance the funds raised are going directly into education and rider training. However, where we are disappointed with the VicRide trial is that it does not apply to scooterists. Scooter riders are also vulnerable road users that would equally benefit from on-road rider training.

“That said, this is a positive approach and an opportunity to remind all road users to respect one another, whether they are on four or two wheels, or on foot,” Mr Purchase said.