Latest News

He's Doohan it for road safety

Oct 31, 2009

FORMER world motorcycle champion Mick Doohan is the new face of safe riding in South Australia.

Mr Doohan said a graphic new TV commercial, which superimposes everyday objects like phone boxes and trees on to a motorcycle track, should leave no doubt about the consequences of a street crash.

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Two wheels wins in crowded Sydney

Oct 28, 2009

Rising fuel costs, congestion, no parking, poor public transport and environmental concerns are driving up motorcycle use.

Yet, transport policy lags far behind and has failed to create equity for this growing group of road users.

Sydney Council’s move to free motorcycle parking one year ago has been widely applauded and embraced. Yet, the State Government has failed to create road toll and registration equity, and has inadequately invested in safety campaigns, according to the Motorcycle Council of NSW.

“The total spend on safety campaigns since 2003 has been less than four million,’’ Guy Stanford of the Motorcycle Council of NSW said. “But it makes economic sense to move to a scooter or small bike. The average car journey carries 1.1 people, rolling a tonne-and-a-half to shift just one person.

“Motorcycles are less than 200kg. A lot of people are shifting to motorcycles for convenience, initially because of the overstretched public transport system. But as petrol prices start to bite, it makes economic sense. There has been a big growth in 250cc bikes.’’

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Motorcycle Buyers Encourage to Take Advantage of Economic Incentives

Oct 12, 2009

Figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show 82,601 motorcycles, scooters and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) were sold in the nine months to September – a 14.4 per cent decline compared to the same period in 2008.

“The motorcycle market has faced a period of challenging economic circumstances and although down on the record highs of last year has remained resilient,” FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said.

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Helmet Standards

Helmet Basics

There is a standard for motorcycle helmets. If the helmet complies with the Australian Standard (AS/NZS1698 ) and is in good condition, then it will provide as much protection as you can expect in a crash provided it fits and is fastened correctly.

This means that you don't have to buy the most expensive helmet in the shop. The essential factor is fit. Cost is not an indicator of better crash protection but may relate more to comfort, features, appearance and the quality of the finish.

There is also some evidence that riders wearing light coloured helmets have a lower crash risk in urban areas than riders with dark or black helmets (Wells et al, 2004).

This subject is covered in more depth on the MCC Motorcycle Safety website. Helmets

AS/NZS1698

The MCC of NSW now has representation on the Australian Standards Committee for AS/NZS1698 - Protective helmets for vehicle users. This ensures that the concerns and needs of the riding public have a voice in this critical piece of equipment.

Motorcycle Helmet Ergonomics Study

The MCC of NSW is also assisting the UNSW School of Risk & Safety Sciences with a critical investigation into Motorcycle Helmet Ergonomics.

The study is investigating helmet fit and restraint in the Sydney motorcycle rider and pillion passenger population. The MCC of NSW is assisting in organising field testing at frequented motorcycling locations in and around Sydney.

More information can be found at the UNSW School of Risk & Safety.