Minutes of the UCRSC Road Safety Forum 29032012 Mildura v2frasercoast.ulyssesclub.org/Portals/qldfras/documents/roadsafety... · Minutes of the Road Safety Forum held in Mildura 2012

Ulysses Club Road Safety Committee

Minutes of the Road Safety Forum held in Mildura 2012 Page 1

Minutes of the Ulysses Club National Road Safety Committee

29th March 2012, held at the Hoecker, Aero Ovals AGM Event, Mildura, Victoria.

Attendees: Neville Gray #3394, Jen Woods #21395, Tony Ellis #55305, Peter Ivanoff #18790, John Meara #19590, Shaun Lennard #30576, Dave Wright #51871. Guests: Vicki Sanfelipo, ASMA, Peter McIntosh, President, Ulysses Club New Zealand List of member attendees:

NAME BRANCH MEMBER No.

Alan Richards Joondalup 10868

Alexa Brown Lake Macquarie 25511

Allan Smith Northern Gateway 17509

Andy Luck Whittlesea 508

Anne Murphy Westgate Wanderers 45912

Barry Clark 11607

Barry Crank Northern Gateway 32865

Barry Solley 14661

Ben Probin Melbourne Branch 10288

Bernie Higoe Coffs Coast 18581

Beryl Smith Adelaide Members

Guest

Bill Allott Albury Wodonga 49286

Brenda Gomperts Melbourne Branch Members

Guest

Brian Dodson Goulburn Valley Branch 42442

Brian Hulands Top End Branch 36423

Brian Quintal Melbourne Branch 40761

Bron Sorenson

Australian Riders Division

Bruce Andrew Macarthur 41786

Bruce McKenzie Joondalup 59648

Bruce Thomson 21777

Chris Glover Warnbro Sound Wanderers 25012

Chris Irvine 60710

Chris Johnston Northern Gateway 60903

Chris Jones Adelaide 30413

Cliff Leader Fraser Coast 18647




Danny King 18516

Darryl Lawson Sydney 51729

David Bailey Canterbury NZ 4174

David Campbell Canberra Branch 6029

David Doyle 40635

Deanne Vale Cairns Branch 29969

Deborah Stuckey Top End Branch 57980

Denis Paulin NATCOM 16672

Dennis Burt Lake Macquarie 14758

Derek Smyth Yarra Ranges 17821

Dianna Glover Warnbro Sound Wanderers 31050

Don Gregory Glasshouse Mountains 47659

Don Tancred Dubbo & Western Plains Branch

25364

Dorothy Henderson Northern Gateway 51810

Dorothy Williams Kalgoorlie 47816

Dot Paull 32041

Ed Hannan 60710

Ed Knight 40810

Elaine Bertoldo Perth Branch

Ellen Sorbello Tropic Tourers 50882

Felix Westmann 314

Garry Porter Eastern Creek 25291

Gary Dowling Mid North Coast 3692

Geoff Brown Macedon Ranges Branch 15713

Geoff Davids 10298

George Burchell Joondalup 53477

Georgie Dodson Goulburn Valley Branch 53012

Glen Head Redlands 24568

Graeme Cohen Bundaberg Branch 16265

Graham Dickson 35895

Graham Pyper 2298

Grant Polomka Cairns Branch 32220

Greg Allan Westgate Wanderers Branch 53169

Greg Power Mackey 56616

Guy Malpass Lower Murray / Adelaide 46597

Harry Randall Glasshouse Mountains 39412

Helena Gritton NATCOM 14072

Howard Mansell The Ulysses Club of New Zealand Inc.

5281

Ian Murphy Westgate Wanderers 46118

Ian Pascoe Adelaide Branch 56638

Ian Wolter Mallee Branch 51878

Jacqui Kennedy 51152




Jan “Pinkie” Birch 35902

Jan Fleming Westgate Wanderers 58567

Janene Thomson Members

Guest

Jen Woods NATCOM 21395

Jo Fisher Alpine Riders 40493

Joan McKain MidNorth Coast 5577

John Allen Gympie 45698

John Cloak Cairns Branch 28035

John Evans Port Stephens 17954

John Hooker Sydney 19095

John Hunter 40716

John Meara Redlands and RSC 21630

John Moug 6490

John Purcell Woy Woy Peninsula Branch 41066

Karen Franklin Goulburn Valley 19978

Karen Stringer Members

Guest

Kathy Shew Kalgoorlie 50819

Keith Gilbert Whittlesea 15530

Keith Moulds South Coast Branch 20643

Kenn Lowis Redlands 38165

Kerry Wright Canberra 34839

Kim Kennerson 6929

Kiwi Moorby 35108

Leo Cogdon Warnbro Sound Wanderers 26555

Leo Farrelly NATCOM 21630

Leo Moras Members

Guest

Les Tasker Illawarra 36239

Linda Nicastri Tweed Border Branch 59464

Lorna Kerr Sydney 22480

Marcel Gomperts Westgate Wanderers Branch 38827

Marcel Smith Adelaide 24283

Margaret Bath Bundaberg 590

Marilyn Luck Whittlesea Members

Guest

Marion Feltham Macedon Ranges Branch 58960

Marion Hedger Goulburn Valley Members

Guest

Mark Collins H.A.R.T.

Mark McDonnell Torrens Valley Branch 59337

Mary-Ann Costello Woy Woy Peninsula Branch 47582

Merv Bray Warwick 25465

Michael Chapman Fraser Coast 25818




Michael Dale Blue Mountains Branch 15248

Michael Livissianos South Coast Branch 55212

Mick Breen Orange 15505

Mike Abberfield Newcastle Lower Hunter 8158

Mitch Stringer 41868

Ned Boschetti Cobb Highway 12308

Neil Ross Fraser Coast 12584

Neville Gray 3394

Pail Varssen Clarence Valley 39471

Paul Fletcher 57573

Paul Willett Karratha 7669

Perry Stephens NATCOM 26184

Peter Allen Hobart 52794

Peter Baulch Two Bays Branch 27672

Peter Bertoldo Perth Branch 320

Peter Clifford Wollongong 46883

Peter Harrigan Newcastle Lower Hunter 48101

Peter Johnson Sunshine Coast 19391

Peter Major Canberra 25999

Peter McIntosh The Ulysses Club of New Zealand Inc.

2524

Peter Thomas Canberra 52415

Philip Lemin Alpine Riders 21113

Pinky Ryan Northern Gateway 19435

Ray Lane Whittlesea Branch 16386

Ray Powell Coffs Coast 20720

Reiner Ehlert Joondalup Branch 47950

Rex Beard Albury/Wodonga 37805

Rex Bennett Adelaide 38143

Richard Brown Tamworth 29954

Richard Costella Woy Woy Peninsula Branch 40767

Rob Alexander Melbourne Branch 21908

Rob Hall Top End 38660

Rob Murnane Lake Macquarie 46846

Rob Smith RDA,

Motorcycling Australia

Rob Toshack Nthn Beaches 34030

Rob Wardrop Toowoomba 56703

Robert Kerr Sydney 15019

Robert Prstec 59341

Robert Strang Blackall Range Branch 44832




Robert Van Lohuizen Whittlesea 21469

Robyn Major Canberra 6153

Roger and Licia Thomas Bathurst Branch 19666

Ron Adams Coffs Coast 35207

Ron Colston-Ing Westgate Wanderers 44881

Ron Hedger Goulburn Valley 19114

Ron Laurence Whittlesea 12424

Sandi Power Mackey 56617

Sandra Cloak Cairns Branch Members

Guest

Scott Kroeger Whittlesea 51089

Shaun Lennard Hobart 30576

Stephen Boyd Canberra 58904

Stephen Clifford South Coast Branch 23651

Stephen Inman Whittlesea 17889

Steve Cooper Warnbro Sound Wanderers 56624

Steve Garter Top End 58503

Tiger Bath Bundaberg 562

Tim Stevenson Tamar Tourers 29014

Trevor Cook Lake Macquarie Branch 33284

Trevor Ford 53036

Trevor Franklin Goulburn Valley 13770

Trevor Hampson Brisbane 5840

Val McCallum Westgate Wanderers Members

Guest

Veronica Miller Perth Branch 54755

Vicki Purcell Woy Woy Peninsula Branch 60596

Vicki Sanfelipo Guest, USA

Wally Farenik South Coast 17791

Warren Dudeney Fraser Coast 1006

Yvonne Pascoe Adelaide Branch 56639

1. Chair of the Ulysses Club Road Safety Committee, Jen Woods opened the

meeting and welcomed the guests, members of the committee, and members of the Ulysses Club. The meeting was preceded by a BBQ and apologies were offered to those who missed out on breakfast but thanked those who attended to share breakfast with us. Jen also thanked the cooks.

2. Acknowledged special guests attending the Forum – Vicki Sanfelipo from ASMA, Peter McIntosh and Howard Mansell from The Ulysses Club in New Zealand, and also Alexa Brown, Stephen Dearnley’s daughter.

3. Neville Gray said that on behalf of the members of the Road Safety Committee,

the funding and support provided by the Ulysses Club Inc. is appreciated. We still have three meetings per year including this meeting. Neville introduced the members of the committee, and gave a short bio of each, and mentioned that as



John Meara is stepping down, there is a vacancy and we are seeking a new person to fill the role and encouraged people to tender an application. Neville paid tribute to John’s excellent work in authoring the response to the Draft NRSS. We also welcome Peter Ivanoff who is the NSW rep and also is the rep for the MCCofNSW.

4. Reports presented by the members of the Ulysses Club Road Safety Committee

in printed form can be found as attachments to this report following the General Business items. Verbal reports are not being given due to the important Celebration of Stephen Dearnley’s life this afternoon.

5. Jen thanked those who have been to visit to Road Safety stand in the Traders Hall, and would like feedback on what people liked and didn’t like.

6. Introduction of the Speakers

Peter McIntosh – President of The Ulysses Club in New Zealand

Peter McIntosh gave a talk about the work being done in New Zealand for motorcycle safety by the Ulysses Club alongside ACC - the Accident Compensation Commission which is a no fault system and is funded by levies attached to the registration cost for all vehicles and to employers and employees. ACC meets injury and death related costs for all accidents – road, sport, domestic etc. Three-four years ago the new Zealand government wanted to significantly raise the levy amount for motorcycles as the costs against motorcycle deaths and injuries far outweighed the income from the levy. There were a number of demonstrations by motorcyclists, many led by the Ulysses Club, against this. The levy was still raised (but by not quite so much as was first envisaged) and the government included a safety levy, similar to the one in Victoria. This money is ring-fenced for motorcycle safety and the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Committee (MSAC) was formed to administer the fund in partnership with ACC. MSAC has 7 members who are all active motorcyclists and include Gareth Morgan as chair with others drawn from Ulysses (currently me), Motorcycling New Zealand and other clubs and organisations As the levy is linked directly to motorcycle safety, MSAC has been looking at a number of initiatives:

• Conspicuity of motorcyclists is a big focus – MSAC and ACC has agreed a major contract to look at how to improve the visibility of motorcyclists, what is available worldwide, what works and agreeing the best options and then matching them to New Zealand conditions. It is a big piece of work and the solutions may involve law changes but it is very important to the long term safety of riders.

• Black Routes – looking at riders’ favourite roads where unfortunately there are often many crashes. Looking at how to make the roads more motorcycle friendly without removing the quality of the road and the ride. Simple things t like ensuring gravel is cleaned up, better and obstacle fee run-off areas, sealing side roads further back to avoid gravel running onto the main road etc. A booklet for road workers is being prepared.

• Greenline - a seasonal programme about farmers moving stock. Usually lots of effluent on the roads from the stock trucks. Better information about standing stocks, providing more places to empty the truck effluent tanks. Also a simple system for riders and drivers to report dirty roads and trucks with overflowing tanks

• Near Miss – looking at an interactive process on the Motonz website. Riders can log in and comment on roads they have ridden – giving road conditions, any hazards etc. There will be a link to the various road authorities so any issues with the road surface or surroundings can be reported directly to the appropriate authority, also link to a police website to report poor or dangerous driving/riding by other road users. These will both have a return lop, to the rider to report on the result of their comments

• Rider/Driver awareness programmes – currently looking at campaigns which target both drivers and riders about being aware of each other on the roads.



Safer Journeys is the government's strategy to guide improvements in road safety over the period 2010–2020. The strategy's vision is a safe road system increasingly free of death and serious injury and introduces the Safe System approach to New Zealand. It now includes motorcycles and scooters as a separate section in the strategy ensuring our inclusion in the process. The Ulysses Club heavily promotes and subsidises training for our members. With funding from ACC, we have introduced a mentoring programme into the Club – currently about half our branches have trained mentors to work with less experienced members or other riders ( mentoring can be provided to non-members).. Our mentoring is one on one and we are clear that mentoring is very different from training – we have one trainer who provides all the mentoring training to ensure consistency across the Club. In all, this can only be good for rider safety in New Zealand – we must continue to upskill ourselves and while we can try to get other roads users to be much more aware of motorcycles and work to improve the roads we ride on, we must always take responsibility for our own safety and behaviour whenever we ride. Peter Ivanoff - Introduction Peter Ivanoff is the Ulysses Club Road Safety representative for NSW. Peter is a senior lecturer with Charles Sturt University in the School of Policing Studies and prior to his appointment with the Uni, Peter was a police officer in NSW, where he spent time as an instructor at the police driving and riding facility and also instructed on the Breath Analysis Operators Course. Peter discussed “Breath, Blood and Alcohol” Alcohol can be introduced into the body either orally or by injection. The latter is a sorry tale of abuse by some of this country’s youth but for most of us, we drink the stuff. Once consumed orally, alcohol makes its way down the gullet and into the stomach, where depending on what’s going on in the stomach, time will vary before alcohol makes its way from the stomach into the small intestine, which is where it then gets absorbed into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, it eventually makes its way to the brain. Now, depending upon what we’ve been drinking, how fast we’ve been drinking it and how much we’ve had, we’ll feel the effects of intoxication. Alcohol, despite whatever feelings and thoughts we might say about its absolute pleasure being in our systems, belongs to the category of drugs known as Depressants. That is because when it affects the brain, brain function starts to slow and so the normal electrical functioning of the brain and neuro-transmitters is by definition, depressed. As a result, our abilities to do a whole heap of things gets worse the more we are intoxicated. Just exactly how badly we might be affected for a given quantity of drink will depend on our individual tolerances to the stuff. This is why we can seasoned drinkers throw down a dozen schooners and not appear to be too affected but why tea-totalers having one glass of bubbly will be falling about the place. OK, so what’s the go when we get pulled up for roadside breath testing? Well, once alcohol travels around the body in our blood, the de-oxygenated blood (with alcohol still there) makes its way back to the lungs so that the normal respiration process continues and the spent blood gets oxygenated for use again. Now in the meantime, when we expire or exhale CO2 from our lungs, a very small portion of alcohol is also expelled in our breath (which is why we can smell alcohol on someone’s breath). Scientifically speaking, this quantity of expelled alcohol per volume of air that is in the system is actually a constant for the human body and is known as the Blood to Air ratio or BAR. Knowing this BAR ratio (actually 2300:1 parts), breath analysis instruments are able to calculate the percentage volume of alcohol in a person’s blood by testing their breath – simple! Well actually no, the breath analysis instruments are quite scientific and expensive pieces of gear and they calculate blood alcohol results by



ascertaining the BAR ratio via a special chamber inside the instrument. A person’s breath sample with lots of tiny alcohol molecules floating around in the chamber has electro-magnetic energy at a pre-determined wavelength/frequency (9.4 microns) passed through it and the drop in energy (because alcohol molecules at that wavelength absorb energy) is calculated out and a reading obtained. Now if the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) reaches/passes the illegal level, then viola – we have on offence known as Prescribed Concentration of Alcohol or PCA. Policing jurisdictions went to all this trouble to get PCA system happening years ago because in the old days, the only offence around was the old Driving Under the Influence or DUI offence, which became problematic to gain convictions for with all sorts of defences being successfully made in the Courts to account for the sorts of symptoms being observed by police that they had to rely on to charge a driver/rider with DUI. In 1968, the dramas with DUI were circumvented with the introduction of PCA offences, although early processes of breath testing were rather cumbersome and not particularly accurate, such as the alco-tubes that used to be inserted into plastic bags that drivers would often struggle to inflate with sufficient breath (hence the old saying “blow into the bag”) and then police would wait for a rather subtle colour change in the crystals in the tube before they would determine whether or not the driver/rider was over the limit and to arrest or not. Nowadays, the breath testing devices are a lot more convenient and accurate to boot. These days, the old offence of DUI is basically reserved for drugs other than alcohol or in rare cases where a breath analysis is not able to achieved within the required legal time frame. It should be remembered that notwithstanding the scientific nature of the BAR, individual tolerances to alcohol can vary from person to person and alcohol absorption rates can vary as well. Allsorts of thing can affect alcohol absorption such as type of drinks, speed of consumption, the sex and build of the person, existing stomach contents to name a few. It should also be remembered that alcohol is removed or dissipated from the body slowly and there is nothing that can speed this process up. Drinking strong black coffee, inducing vomiting, fresh air etc will not make a difference and alcohol will be removed from the body at roughly around one standard drink per hour. So there you go, if you’re so inclined, you can start to do the hypothetical calculations and go wild with it all but the simple message here – is don’t drink and ride and you’ll be right. Questions arising Andy Luck # 508 asked about the machine used – how can you be sure there is no build up from a previous member of the public. Peter explained that the Police wait a given time but that also the chamber is flushed to prevent build up. They also give you a clean tube. A member who used to be a TAFE Teacher – his experience was that he had to warn students about the hydrocarbons from the chemicals used in a spray painting course, because they can show up as alcohol. Peter say this is the reason when Police stop, they ask if there has been any alcohol consumption in the last 15 minutes. A member asked about the morning after – how long should you wait next morning before driving. Peter said it is difficult to be certain but a rough guide is to allow one hour per standard drink – not definitive. A member asked if exercise – going for a long walk for example, will that help move the alcohol through. Peter said that may make a difference – don’t rely on this. A member commented that drinking water will help with dehydration. But Peter said that drinking alcohol kills brain cells and they do not regenerate. Vicki Sanfelipo – Introduction.

Vicki Sanfelipo, a Registered Nurse, is the founder of Accident Scene Management in USA. She has been riding her own motorcycle since 1987. In 1996, she authored a program called "A Crash Course for the Motorcyclist" in order to teach motorcyclists how to help each other



at the scene of a crash. Through the years she trained others to teach and developed protocols that are now recognised world wide! Vicki created Accident Scene Management and the social program Road Guardians to bring structure and validity to training by developing a best practice for surviving motorcycle trauma. Vicki worked for over 25 years in hospitals. She left her job in May of 2010 to concentrate on Accident Scene Management and achieving its goals. Nearly 20,000 students have been taught in the USA where motorcycle fatality trends are decreasing. Vicki is excited about Accident Scene Management Australia's initiative to bring this training to Australia.

Vicki spoke about Trauma Management My friends call me “Spitfire” Vicki talked about her experience being a Nurse and is also a long term rider. Her friends used to comment that is was great having a nurse along on a ride. Vicki realized that she didn’t have experience in motorcycle trauma. She was told never take a helmet off and never move a patient. She learned about motorcycle trauma treatment from “Slider’ Gilmore when she attended a day long course. Slider shared his course and expertise with Vicki and she has taken that information to teach others about how to manage a trauma situation for the time until Emergency services arrive. The more motorcyclists who are trained the better off we all are. She found that first aid isn’t enough, more needs to be learned. Standard trauma action won’t necessarily work. Prevent further injury Assess the situation Contact emergency services Treat for life sustaining care Prioritise - Airway first. Use jaw thrust. Bleeding – control. Internal Bleeding – treat for shock Spinal immobilisation. Vicki demonstrated helmet removal using people posing of victims. A member asked if the method was approved and Vicki said it was not but it was a demonstration of what she would do in a trauma situation. Modular helmet – can be flipped up to provide access to the face and the helmet does not need to be removed. A member asked Vicki to mention to tell people how heavy a human head is when it came out of the helmet – Vicki said it is very important to be prepared to support the head properly when the head comes out of the helmet. Legal aspects – what about when there is a sticker. “Do not remove helmet”. If a person is not breathing then he is dead. In order to have a case brought against you is if the situation is made worse. It is hard to get worse than death. The Good Samaritan Act is there to prevent litigation. Vicki pointed out that the sticker is meant to prevent a person just yanking the helmet off a downed rider. A member asked about the pump system of helmet removal. Vicki thinks that learning helmet removal is still important. Clearing the airway – a rider who has vomited into the helmet. If able, move the rider, keeping them as straight as possible, move them into the recovery position.



A member who has been a Queensland paramedic for many years and who has done the ASMA course. This course has the ability to save lives because it teaches critical and important skills. Vicki invited members who want more information to visit her at the stand in the Traders Hall.

Shaun Lennard - Introduction Shaun is from Tasmania and is a member of the Hobart Branch. He is currently a “junior” member, but that changes this year. Shaun represents Tasmania on the Road Safety Committee, but he is also chairman of the Australian Motorcycle Council, a role he has held since 2006. He is also president of the Tasmanian Motorcycle Council, and in 2005 successfully led the campaign that saw plans to introduce a Victorian-style motorcycle safety levy defeated in the Tasmanian Parliament. Shaun also chairs the federal government’s Motorcycle Safety Consultative Committee, which is the link for riders to the National Road Safety Council. He is also a member of the Australasian College of Road Safety, and last year was invited to join the International Road Federation’s new Expert Group on Road Safety. Along with Greg Hirst from Sydney, Shaun has established the annual MPs and Senators Motorcycle Ride in Canberra – one of the things he has been involved with to increase the profile of motorcycling in the general media and to policy makers. Only yesterday afternoon, Shaun made a presentation on motorcycling to the Urban Congestion Conference in Sydney, and somehow he has managed to be here with us this morning.

Shaun’s Presentation

The number of people riding in Australia has increased dramatically in recent years – we all know that. But in preparation for the Urban Congestion Conference, I clarified the numbers. Throughout the 1990s the number of registered motorcycles was in the low 300,000s – over the past decade this had more than doubled to over 700,000 with annual growth in recent years just under 7%. These aren’t all recreational riders. Between 1995 and 2001 there were around 6,000 new scooters sold in Australia – around 500-600 a year. Jump forward 10 years, and between 2005 and 2011 there were 86,000 new scooter sales. The average age for a learner in Australia is around 32, and the average age of a rider is 38. Motorcycling is not dominated by ‘younger’ riders as it was a couple of decades ago – the Ulysses Club demonstrates that. Someone even said at the Urban Congestion Conference that less than 50% of those aged under 25 in Sydney have a motor vehicle licence – I found that staggering. The only formal connection to the federal government for motorcycling is through the National Road Safety Council. This is done through the Motorcycle Safety Consultative Committee, which I chair and of which the Ulysses Club is one of the members. With the NRSC, up until recently, Wayne Gardner was one of the six councillors, but he has stood down from the role having relocated to Spain. The NRSC is preparing to host a second Motorcycle and Scooter Safety Summit. It is widely agreed that progress in recommendations from the 2008 has been slow; but having Action Plans and commitment from the state and territory road authorities is one of the key aims for the next one. Separate to the summit, the MSCC had been asked to prepare a paper around introduction of a graduated licensing system. This was done in 2010, and is currently with an Austroads committee for further work.



Meanwhile, the casualty rates for motorcycles continue to improve across the country. Raw numbers are remaining fairly static, but as we know, the number of riders has been steadily increasing. This is where we get the reduced rate from. Different states are tackling things differently. The AMC continues to push for a National Motorcycle Strategy, including an integrated motorcycle safety plan. The grassroots work being done at a state level is very good – I recommend that you take and read the various state reports. But motorcycling is still left out when it comes to transport policy. It was great to speak at the Urban Congestion Conference – perhaps the first time that ‘motorcycling’ has been part of a transport conference in Australia? In looking to ease congestion there is a strong push on what’s known as ‘modal shift’ – trying to move people to cycling, walking, car sharing, and public transport. Motorcycle and scooter use needs to be included as part of this discussion; that was the thrust of my presentation in Sydney yesterday. Shaun closed by thanking the Ulysses Club for support.

7. General Business

Keith Gilbert from Whittlesea Branch commented on a back to basics problem – when doing road repairs many times the repairers put down very slippery sheet metal, an example was under a tunnel on a right hand bend. Can representatives engage the government Must be a non slippery surface. Nev - Brian Woods of the AMC has taken this on board in NSW will try to nationalize it. John Hooker spoke about the use of metal road plates – problem is locally so members should take a photo and send to reps for remediation. When a hazard occurs at night the contractors will grab the closest for laying on the road. Tony said Vic Roads will be interested and asked Keith to email him. He said the VicRoads do look at standards and the contractors must comply when undertaking repairs. Gorge Road – posts sticking above the ARMCO barrier posing a hazard to riders. Barrier itself had been lowered exposing the posts and that could pose a hazard. Nev responded – the BASYC system has been utilized along that road and that has been very successful. Unfortunately too expensive and rub rails will be taken up. Nev commented that the posts should not stick up but the ARMCO has not been lowered. Dave – not supposed to be more than 20 millimetres above. A member asked about Wire Rope Barriers We are against Wire Rope Barriers. Nev said that in SA, every 5

th green upright has been

painted white to make the barriers more visible. We will never get rid of them because they are good for drivers. Peter commented that in a crossover situation, a WRB can prevent over 60% of crashes. Better result than for other barriers. 96% car drivers, 4% motorcycles in NSW – makes the case almost impossible to win. Tasmania member – ex Tasmania Motorcycle Council. In Tasmania the WRB’s are so common that riders slow down or avoid those roads. Can be difficult to see. Peter Major – why aren’t local government using the mitigating treatments. How many people know how many people die from trauma from hitting WRB’s Nev said 4. Small stats. Transport Policy at Federal level. Most people have a single passion issue. Need members to have a broader understanding of the issues.



John Meara spoke about the Committee aiming for the best bang for its buck. Asked for support for the work we do. Spread the good news of what we do, prioritise issues and address them. We will not win the WRB debate because the statistics do not back up the issue and also they WRB’s are good for drivers and save many lives. Focus on the priority areas and make a difference. ARMCO railing – new treatment – sharp edges pointing to the traffic, on a BBQ plate end. Shaun - Sheet ending is to prevent cars hitting the end of the beams. Plastic ends. Dave – capture the front of the cars to prevent it from sliding off. In Victoria, policy of not replacing until required. Frangible posts are being provided as necessary as part of the maintenance program. Adam Kostick from Maurice Blackburn lawyers introduced himself and talked about the SMIDSY Campaign. Good some great feedback from the Road Safety Committee and the Forum. Advocacy around Australia – please give feedback. Roads maintained by local councils – what would the Committee recommend for local riders to alert the authorities to road hazards for example vegetation too close to the roads. Neville – Councils won’t act until the hazard is reported. Riders must ring the road hazard through or take a photo and log it onto the website. Get members in a Branch to do this. Peter Ivanoff said to contact the local Road Safety Office because there will be one in every council. Tony said to organise a meeting with the Council to discuss issues for riders – that has been shown to have good results. Member commented on the large quantity of trailers arriving at the AGM site, and can the Road Safety Committee provide some information for members. Nev responded that there has been a Guide to trailers available on the National Ulysses Club website for years. David Campbell - filtering works really well overseas, where are we up to in Australia? Peter Ivanoff said that the MCCofNSW has been successful in having a trial approved. Safety – filter through slow or stopped traffic to move to the Advance Stop line to enable them to move off first – safety measure. Tony – Rob Smith of RDA has worked with many groups to create a MOU to get traction to move ahead with filtering and advance stop lines. Member commented on the excellent videos available on the MCCofNSW website. He sees that training is more important than barriers. Jen said that the MCCofNSW videos will be available on the Road Safety stand this afternoon and tomorrow. Jen closed the meeting by thanking members for attending, and tahned the committee members for the excellent work they do. Meeting Closed 11.30a.m.



State Reports

NSW Annual Report – presented by Peter Ivanoff

1. As at 31.12.2010, NSW had 496,249 licenced motorcycle riders, of which 341,000 were aged 40 years or over (69%). However, there were only 172,691 registered motorcycles, making up just 3.8% of the State’s total motor vehicle registrations. Unfortunately whilst only making up 3.8% of registered vehicles, motorcycles accounted for 14% of road fatalities, with 50% of these fatalities involving riders aged 40 years or over. The interesting result here is that whilst 40+ years riders make up 69% of motorcyclists, they were only involved in 50% of the motorcycle fatalities, thus being under-represented when compared to younger riders. Motorcycles accounted for 9.6% of all road injuries but only 34% of these injuries involved riders aged 40+ years. So this means that riders aged 40+ years represented 7% of all road fatalities and only 3.3% of all road injuries – slightly over-represented in fatalities and under-represented for injury crashes.

1

2. I continue to attend the monthly meetings of the New South Wales Motorcycle

Council (NSWMCC) as the Ulysses Club delegate. These meetings are held on the first Monday evening of every month (except January) at the Ryde RSL in Sydney.

3. At the time of writing this report, the NSW Motorcycle Safety Strategy is being

prepared by the NSW Roads & Maritime Services (RMS – formerly known as the RTA). Since the current government came to power, the former RTA underwent some ‘strategic’ changes and became known as the RMS. They have taken on a new and refreshingly cooperative and consultative approach to motorcycling issues, which I witnessed first hand on attending one of a number of recent meetings between the RMS and the NSWMCC. They have even placed Mr Paul Rees in charge of this plan and Paul is an experienced and avid motorcyclist. The new strategy is ‘overdue’, although in fairness, some important issues need to be resolved. One of these is the impending trial of ‘advanced stop-boxes’ for motorcyclists at major intersections at selected locations in Sydney. This remains an issue to be resolved because at the time of writing this report, the practice known as ‘lane-filtering’ remains illegal.

4. Last year there had been discussions and proposals put forward to amalgamate the

NSWMCC and Motorcycling Australia subsidiary, Motorycling NSW – however these negotiations ultimately fell through and these two organizations now remain separate.

5. Last year I canvassed our NSW branches by email with respect to member concerns

over motorcycling generally and motorcycling safety concerns in particular. Annexure 1 is a list of concerns I prepared from replies given to me from those branches that responded and the list is in order of the number of times the particular issue was mentioned. I make brief comment on these issues hereunder:

Condition of our roads & maintenance:

Concerns about the quality of road surfaces, paints, metal plates & road surface repairs are all on the agenda of the Motorcycle Safety Strategy agenda. The NSWMCC has observed that the common practice of JetPatching road repair by local councils is being used contrary to the guidelines of the Australian Asphalt Pavement Association & the NSWMCC has recommended to the RMS that JetPatching cease until standards of such work can be uniformly controlled.

1 Roads & Maritime Services Summary Data for 2010



Use of wire rope barriers

Despite significant protest and a few tragic incidents involving motorcyclists, wire rope ‘safety’ barriers (WRSB) continue to be used on NSW roads. NSWMCC safety officer Brian Wood recently completed a study of these barriers in a number of locations and found that varying tensions of wire rope existed in these barriers. Unfortunately, it appears that motorcyclists are unlikely to win the battle to stop the use of these barriers. Two crash studies conducted by the RTA in 2008-09 compared impact results of wire rope barriers with steel W-beam (Armco) & concrete barriers. In the first study of 189 crashes/impacts, WRSB showed only 16% casualty outcome when compared to 37% for Steel W-beam and 35% for concrete. A second study of 293 crashes/impacts showed only an 11% casualty outcome for WRSB when compared to 39% for steel W-beam and 34% for concrete. With motorcycles making up only 3.8% of registered motor vehicles that would be adversely affected by WRSB, little wonder the use of WRSB will most likely continue.

2

Driver Education, Rider education, pink slips, tolls, registration & speed limits

These are all matters that have been subject in the meetings to draft a NSW Motorcycle Safety Strategy, which remains a work in progress. As for rider education/training, the UCRSC encourages all riders to participate in courses being offered by a number of accredited providers and the Ulysses Club rebate for approved courses is still available. I understand HART will be offering rider training at the AGM.

It won’t be too long before rego labels will go the way of the Dodo but no date has been mentioned by the RMS. Argument continues with respect to portability of registration but that one may take a little longer to see any favourable result.

Importance of riding gear to be encouraged but not enforced

Late last year, I attended the research presentation of Liz de Rome, in conjunction with the George Institute, dealing with protective gear for motorcyclists. The research findings were very clear as to the benefits of reduced injury by wearing appropriate protective clothing when riding a motorcycle. With Liz’s valuable input, the NSWMCC has instigated a Protective Clothing Working Group that is working with the Compulsory Third Party administration of the Motor Accidents Authority (MAA) to come up with a business model for a rating system for motorcycle approved clothing. This remains a work in progress. There have been rumblings and rumours of a push to mandate additional items of protective clothing apart from the current helmet laws however the UCRSC’s position is to encourage the wearing of protective gear but to leave the choice with riders. This position is also supported by the NSWMCC.

Just on the issue of riding gear, last year, Aldi chain of supermarkets provided a limited availability of CE approved riding gear at prices remarkably lower than similar quality items from the usual providers of such gear. No surprise that the gear sold out quickly. When questioned, Aldi could not advise when any further stocks would be available. I wrote to both Cassons and McLeod Accessories, importers of quality riding gear and asked why they could not provide like quality gear at prices that Aldi was able to. I did not get a reply.

Helmets

Just recently, following the resignation of our Queensland delegate on the UCRSC, I have been nominated to take a ‘seat’ on the national helmets committee. From what I have learned so far, it appears that there are issues with the practices of accrediting helmets to certain standards. In essence, Guy Stanford from the NSWMCC is doing a sterling job in trying to get common sense to prevail with respect to helmets, so that we can end up with a situation where any helmet that carries standards approval from European, Japanese and American testing will be legal to wear in NSW and indeed Australia wide. I look

2 S.P. Levett et al – 2009 “Applying Safety Countermeasures Incrementally to Existing Roads”



forward to working with Guy on this project. Once I am better informed, I’ll be placed to offer advice to members about the mix of views and opinions around on the longevity of helmet life.

Greenslips

Following long and intensive lobbying by the NSWMCC, the cost of CTP Greenslips is on the way down in pricing. On average, motorcyclists should see a 17% reduction in Greenslip prices for 2012 registrations. Argument centred around the inequity of past Greenslip pricing for motorcycles when the incidence of third party injury from motorcycles was substantially lower than from cars. The 17% average reduction is a small win for now.

6. A group of lawyers based in Melbourne but wishing to extend operation into other states and NSW in particular, Maurice Blackburn & Co are interested in assisting motorcycling with advocacy specialist assistance for key motorcycling safety issues. They are assisting the NSWMCC with lobbying on issues of road infrastructure, levy, noise limits, front number plates, lane filtering and the general need for inclusion of motorcycle specific safety needs within the road environment. They have asked for first-hand accounts from Ulysses members of crashes and incidents that stemmed from poor road surface/environment issues to assist their advocacy from an evidence based perspective. Late 2011, I visited Maurice Blackburn in their Sydney office and spoke with their NSW counsel, Danielle de Paoli and provided her with a copy of the issues canvassed from NSW branches (as indicated in Annexure 1).

7. Also in late 2011, the NSWMCC, through the directing efforts of Guy Stanford, produced a series of Rider risk videos which can be accessed from the NSWMCC website. The quality of these videos is exceptional and requests from both around Australia and overseas have been made for permission for their use. Members are encouraged to surf the website of the NSWMCC and watch these videos.

8. In October of 2011, I organised a meeting with my local State MP, Pru Goward, about the issue of motorcycling and road safety generally. My aim was to gain a ‘seat’ on the NSW Standing Committee on Road Safety as a Ulysses member and as the NSW delegate on the UCRSC. M/s Goward undertook to attempt to provide me access to speak with the NSW Minister for Roads and Ports, to further my aim of gaining a seat on the abovementioned committee. I was not successful. I received correspondence from M/s Goward that supplied a response from the Minister. The Minister’s response basically stated that a working liaison already existed between the NSWMCC and the NSW Road Safety Committee and that as a delegate on the NSWMCC, I should continue my efforts in that capacity.

9. November 2011 saw Motorcycle Awareness Week in NSW and displays & information sessions were conducted in 9 locations within the state. Sydney naturally hosted a huge display with the Minister being involved. As for my part, Goulburn hosted a display across two days in the local shopping mall which was organised by the Goulburn-Mulwarree Council Road Safety Officer, Janelle Read and myself.

10. NSW is in the process of developing a Transport Master Plan for the next 20 years, of which the Motorcycle Safety Strategy is but a part. Opportunity exists currently for anyone to make submissions and this can be done easily and on-line at http://haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/transportmasterplan Members are encouraged to get online and complete the electronic submission available for any motorcycling issues you might care to mention.

11. Lastly, a good news story as was reported in a letter from the owners of the Grey Gum Café on the Putty Road to Cycletorque magazine in January this year. The owners of this café were issued with a cease trading order by the Singleton Council



because the café was promoted as a destination for “stop, revive & survive” on the long stretch of the Putty Road and it supposedly required expensive road treatments as a result. The Singleton Council issued the cease trading order because the original development application for the café’s facilities required a right-turn lane treatment to enter the café. Following the owner’s letter of concern about an order to cease trading if a $250,000 cost was not met, NSWMCC Road Safety Committee Chairman Brian Wood rode to the café and got the story from the owners. He then contacted the Singleton Council and to cut a long story short, got the matter sorted by ensuring that the Council were supplied with a Road safety Audit that stated that the required treatment was in fact NOT required at all, due to the road’s low traffic volume and clear visibility at the turn/access into the café’s parking area. Subsequently, the cease trading order was lifted and riders now continue to have a motorcycle friendly stop on this great road. Well done to Brian for his dedication and I’m also pleased to say that after my constant badgering, Brian has finally joined the Ulysses Club recently.

Peter Ivanoff

#18790



Queensland Annual Report – presented by John Meara

Highlights for year

• Sustained improvement in 2011 QLD motorcycle-related road toll

• Recognition for my contribution to the Club’s submission on the National Road Safety Strategy

• Support to MRAQ on road safety policy development. Lowlights for year

• Infrequency of TMR road safety advisory group meetings, combined with late Agendas and long delays on circulating Minutes.

• Resignation of MRAQ committee members

• Overload in personal life resulting in notice to step down from Road Safety Committee

• Ongoing poor political position of long-term Labor government (same old rhetoric). Queensland Road Toll The total QLD road toll for 2011 was 269 – 20 more than the record low of 2010. This is 16% lower than the previous 5-year average and about 6 road deaths per 100,000 population. The motorcycle-related road toll for 2011 was 46 – down 5 from 2010 and a huge 28% lower than the previous 5-year average. For 2012 to date, motorcycling deaths were 11 – 21.4% down on the same period last year and 23.6% down on the previous 5-year average. I have updated the following chart for ‘fatalities per 10,000 registrations’. Whilst the use of registrations is not ideal, without figures for Vehicle Kilometres Travelled, registrations at least provides some basis for the displaying the good news message on ongoing improvement. How often do we hear the “safetycrats” highlight good news on motorcycle-related crash statistics? Never? It is up to us!



National Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020 (NRSS) TMR reported that there was a huge diversity of views expressed in submissions to the NRSS. One of the few areas where there was strong alignment was the 30% (reduction) target. Following release of the final NRSS, I provided an analysis of the document against the earlier draft and our Club submission. In summary, the NRSS is generally a disappointment from a motorcycling point of view and is certainly not the “paradigm shift” touted by some during its draft stages. It is also disappointing that no obvious improvements were made following our Road Safety Committee’s comprehensive submission. Professor Barry Watson of CARRS-Q backed-up the disappointment from vulnerable road users saying there was a weak focus on these groups. Rider reps nationwide have heard from other road user groups who were also disappointed. The upshot of our Club submission is that it provides a comprehensive reference document on key road safety topics from the point of view of the on-road motorcycling community. QLD government and agencies: Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and QLD Police Service (QPS) The government released its response to the Inquiry into the road safety benefits of fixed speed cameras. No surprises: Rolling out more cameras, digital and point-to-point. So a continuing focus on speed along with the other elements of the Safe System Approach, as well as the “Fatal 4” (along with seat belts, fatigue and alcohol). There has been talk by individual police and others on the need to extend the Fatal 4 to the Fatal 5, to include distraction (especially illegal use of mobile phones). I reinforced this at meetings of the QMSAG, as a strong supporter of the need to focus on driver vigilance. A very successful trial of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) was completed with implementation in Brisbane in April 2011 to result in the roll-out of another 7 units. This positive move targets unlicensed drivers, unregistered and stolen vehicles, all over-represented in crash statistics. The government also announced an additional 160 Police on QLD roads. Older Riders Survey Report During the year I circulated copies of the final version of TMR’s Older Motorbike Rider Safety report, produced by ARDT Consultants. This useful research focused on riders 45 years and over, their behaviour, attitudes, crash stats and comparative analysis against other age groups. A summary of key points provide in my reports included:

• Using Vehicle Kilometres Travelled, older riders (45 years and more) travelled 6 times as many kilometres per crash as younger riders (15 to 24 years). Riders aged 55 years or more travelled 10 times as many kilometres per crash as younger riders.

• Conclusion on behaviour and crashes: Older riders are crashing less often than they used to and much less often than their younger counterparts. Crash rates are coming down for all riders, but with 4 times as many older riders on the road, this inevitably leads to more crashes (in absolute terms), albeit at a lower rate than previously experienced for riders in all age groups.

QLD Motorcycle Safety Advisory Group (QMSAG) and QLD Road Safety Advisory Committee (QRSAC) These TMR groups were to meet quarterly; however delays in the release of the NRSS and the QLD state election process (caretaker mode) each resulted in cancelled meetings for both groups. I attended all meetings. Issues covered over the last 12 months included:

• National Road Safety Strategy feedback

• Work-shopping ideas for the next QLD Road Safety Strategy. Ideas raised grouped into short-term and long-term, with a number of these covering motorcycling. The



plan is to again have shorter-term ‘action plans’ for implementing safety initiatives. The suggestion is to have a separate ‘action plan’ for motorcycling.

• Marketing and communications covering media campaigns and initiatives such as SMIDSY

• Research projects being sponsored/undertaken by TMR and QPS, including fatigue-related crashes, unlicenced and unregistered vehicles, digital speed cameras

• Older drivers – information gathering by TMR towards a national response to community concerns

• Main Roads “Mass Action Program” funding to run out. Calls for this important initiative to continue.

• Net Risk – tools to help assess risk and performance of roads with Local Government (15,000 km already assessed for best ROI decisions).

• Road Safety Education resources, including integration of road safety into the QLD school curriculum.

A suggestion: National Motorcycle Transport and Safety Strategy In September, the National Transport Commission released a detailed discussion paper on “Exploring the opportunities for reform”, titled “Smart transport for a growing nation project”. This 76-page document made NO mention of motorcycles! Prompted by this sad fact, in my November report I presented my suggestion for developing a national motorcycling strategy to include “transport” (not simply safety). I believe the motorcycling community/groups must have their own national strategy (on- and off-road) to provide a complimentary platform to the National Road Safety Strategy and the various state/agency action plans. There should also be a separate published national strategy to guide all levels of government and their agencies (similar to the Ausroads funded Australian National Cycling Strategy 2011-2016). These strategies must include “transport” and would reduce waste, rework and duplication of effort and allow us to take the lead. It would bring clarity to the maze of initiatives and priorities. They would not prevent passionate riders and representatives continuing to focus their personal efforts on the priorities they wish to pursue, but it would put those efforts into context. My November 2011 report provides a sample outline for such a strategy. Other activities MRAQ: With a re-energised MRAQ following election of a new committee 15 months ago, it was encouraging to see the development of a business strategy that covered key policy areas. Progress continued in late October when the committee conducted a “think-tank” to develop detailed policy statements (similar to those by the AMC) covering all key areas. I contributed to these efforts where they clearly align with the Ulysses Club’s safety efforts. Unfortunately this work has stalled with the January 2012 resignation of the President, Vice President and another key committee member (for personal reasons). In October, I attended the QLD Road Safety Awards 2011 – Community Engagement Workshop for the second year running. The various presenters were again interesting, but unfortunately none focused on motorcycling. In November I attended an Attitudinal Driving Workshop sponsored by radio station 97.3 and organised by QLD Police volunteers. It was hard-hitting with presentations delivered by an emergency surgeon, a police officer, a fire/rescue officer and a probation/parole officer. The offer was made by the police organisers to deliver this session to local Ulysses Branches. Conclusion Again I have appreciated the excellent support from the other Committee reps and Natcom. Unfortunately for QLD, I feel like a one-man-band with little or no local support – unlike in



other states where the riding community seems to provide much greater support for their local road safety efforts. In July, I contacted Jen and Nev concerned that I was unable to do justice to my UCRSC position, making me unsure about my future in the Committee. I flagged the idea that we should recruit a successor for QLD – someone I could do an orderly handover to, or at least work in tandem with. They reassured me to ‘hang in there’, which I did. Heavy work commitments and family responsibilities have been preventing me from developing stronger (and more fruitful) relationships with key stakeholders and influencers in the road safety community and government/agencies, and from drafting submissions to inquiries and agencies. With the increasing need to manage important personal/work issues, I decided in January to tender written advice to Denis, Jen and Neville that I needed to step down. I will continue in the role until a suitable replacement is appointed. It has been a privilege to serve the Club and I pledge to continue to support motorcycle safety efforts, including the new rep and act as a proxy if required. John Meara, UC#19590



Tasmania Report – presented by Shaun Lennard

Motorcycle safety and other initiatives in Tasmania are managed under the umbrella of the Tasmanian Motorcycle Council (TMC), of which I am the president. Each of the Tasmanian Ulysses branches is usually represented at the regular meetings of the TMC, which are held each few months in Launceston. 2011 saw Tasmania record a record low of serious casualties for all road users for a second consecutive year. There were 3 motorcycle fatalities in Tasmania in 2011, which is the lowest number on record in Tasmania – the lowest in over 50 years. The Tasmanian Road Safety Advisory Council (RSAC) comprises the senior officers from a number of government agencies as well as the heads of user groups representing car drivers, cyclists and motorcyclists. As TMC president, I am a member of the RSAC, which gives us the opportunity to have first-hand input into policy discussions. The most contentious item of discussion over the past 12 months has been a proposal to reduce the rural default speed limit from 100 km/h to 90. This has been opposed by the TMC throughout, and many rural councils do not favour the plan either. The TMC has proposed a compromise agreeing that certain roads could be reduced due to their characteristics, whereas the RSAC has collectively determined that the default should be 90, and that certain roads may remain at 100. This is to be assessed using criteria specified by the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC). This item is still under government consideration. The government has continued to use a significant portion of the Tasmanian Road Safety Levy to install further sections of wire rope barrier on major roads. This infrastructure is credited with assisting in the substantial reduction of run-off-the-road casualty car crashes. The TMC’s concerns and objections to this infrastructure are well-documented. We are concentrating our efforts, though, in trying to prevent wire rope barrier being extensively installed as part of a 2+1 plan on some sections of undivided highway. I represented the TMC recently on the tender panel to determine who will provide compulsory rider training in Tasmania from 1 July 2012. The evaluation of tenders is now completed. The TMC is continuing to make recommendations about improvements to the curriculum, particularly for learners. The TMC has obtained data showing how high the percentage of injury claims from novice riders is. This in turn is a concern for all riders in terms of premiums. Another round of annual funding from the National Building Blackspot Program will see a number of minor infrastructure projects undertaken this year. Programs are selected for finding from two sources – projects nominated by local council (which are then assessed and ranked on crash history) and road safety audits. Many of the projects involve installation of crash barriers, pedestrian refuges or roundabouts. The TMC will be pushing for a proper “safe system” approach to these new installations – aiming to see flexible signs installed, for example. The Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources (DIER) has recently made some improvements on sections of rural road with a high rate of motorcycle crashes. These have been similar to some of the initiatives rolled out in Victoria, such as sealing the last sections of dirt roads where they meet curved sections of rural highway. Frangible, highly-visible warning warning signs have also been placed at some corners with a higher frequency of run-off-the-road motorcycle crashes.



The TMC is preparing another version of its “it’s not rocket surgery” ad campaign, drawing attention to the vulnerability of riders in a crash involving another vehicle. The Motor Accidents Insurance Board (MAIB) continues to subsidise the Road Skills Refresher Course (available from a number of providers endorsed by the TMC), and all Ulysses members in Tasmania are encouraged to attend one of these. The Hobart branch has continued to encourage its members to undertake motorcycle-specific first aid training. I look forward to continuing to represent Tasmanian Ulysses branch members, and I am hoping to attend branch meetings across the state this year.

Shaun Lennard #30576 [email protected]



South Australia Report – Neville Gray, National Road Safety Coordinator

The SA Government is currently running three barrier trials with the view of making road side barriers safer for motorcyclists. Firstly, the BASYS system trial is ongoing on the Gorge Road and surrounding areas. This barrier protection system consists of a grey ‘plastic’ curtain attached to the bottom of the existing W-Beam rail and hence preventing a sliding rider from impacting the upright support posts which can inflict severe injuries to limbs and other body extremities. Already, we know of at least one rider (and possibly three others) who owes his life to this barrier protection system. The second trial is also being conducted in the same area and uses a similar method of preventing a rider from impacting the upright posts but uses a metal ‘rub rail’ similar to the BASYC but at substantially reduced cost per linear metre. The third trial is being run on the controversial wire rope barriers (WRB) in various locations. This consists of a wrap around sleeve to protect the upright post from impacts with an ‘out of control’ rider. There are two locations for this WRB trial. The helmet standards issue is a big one at the moment. All helmets manufactured have to comply with the Australian AS1698 standard. Costly compulsory testing to this standard makes the price of helmets in Australia much more than the same models available overseas. We are a relatively small market. The various US, European and Japanese helmet standards are comparable with AS1698 so why not allow these helmets that comply with their local standards to be legally purchased and worn in Australia. This would mean a fairer market, cheaper prices and a better range. Currently any helmet purchased from overseas in illegal to wear and can compromise any insurance claim in case of a motorcycle crash. The Australian Motorcycle Council, which the MRASA supports and closely confides with, is working hard on this issue and hopefully sense will prevail and we will get a better deal on all riders. It is no secret that both the Federal and SA State Governments (in particular) are thinking of introducing a ‘Motorcycle Safety Levy’ to be imposed on all motorcycle licence holders. This desire is clearly spelt out in the SA Road Safety Strategy 2011 – 2020, the plan to reduce the road toll over the next 10 years in South Australia. Victorian riders have been paying this levy for the past 8 or 9 years. This issue is an emotive one and if and when introduced, the levy will polarize riders’ opinions. At least we have prior knowledge of this pending levy and therefore can push our views on what we as riders will accept and the minimum conditions that must be implemented for this levy to be reluctantly acceptable. The lamentable death of 20 riders in 2010 on SA roads will no doubt make this decision easier for the SA Government. As part of this dialogue to ensure that SA riders get a fair return for their money, the MRASA Committee invited the then Minister for Road Safety, the Hon. Tom Kenyon to attend the July monthly committee meeting. A range of topics was discussed in a frank and open manner with the Minister including the pending levy. All is quiet on this topic. (February 2011). (I have made several attempts to contact the Director for Road Safety in the past few weeks and have been given the silent treatment. Whether this means that they are still to finalise the arrangements for the levy introduction or an indication for future relations, remains to be seen.) We were told by the Director for Road Safety that a new stakeholder consultative committee was to be formed. The MRASA was invited to field one person to be the sole motorcycle representative on this ‘Committee’ and I was subsequently elected. The new committee was to be called the Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG) and the first meeting was on November 21

st 2011. Some 40 elected delegates turned up for this meeting representing diverse

community groups such as heavy road transport, bicyclists, pedestrians, medical persons etc.



The meeting was a disappointment because of the shear size of the group – no individual specific representation could ever be made. It was decided to have these meetings every 3 months. That time has elapsed with no minutes from the previous inaugural meeting and no notice of the next meeting indicating that the SRG has probably suffered a premature death. Previously the Motorcycle Safety Task Force was finally disbanded in October 2010 making way, we hope, for a replacement high level committee to administer the funds collected from this levy. It took 5 months for us to be told this fact which was instigated by my ‘challenging’ article in the press from the MRASA. (I performed an ‘autopsy’ on the MTF and found that some 70% of the actions in the SA Motorcycling Strategy 2005 – 2010 have indeed been completed.) The Task Force was moderately successful and introduced the LAMS to SA and produced the acclaimed SA Motorcycling Safety Strategy 2005-2010. Unfortunately the replacement ‘post 2010 safety strategy’ was not supported by the State Government and we are the only state in Australia to not have a current motorcycle safety and transport strategy which is deplorable. If and when the levy is introduced, the first item on the agenda, after forming an advisory council, is to draft up a replacement motorcycle safety strategy. Other items would be to provide areas to legally ride off-road motorcycles, to introduce a recreation motorcycle registration scheme and to continue and expand the highly successful barrier protection projects. There are a myriad of potential things to do!! Cheap and accessible post rider training is also a big issue. It is motorcyclists’ money and therefore motorcyclists will have a majority say in the way it is spent. Other joint ventures with the MRASA in 2010 have been made with SAPOL and the Motor Accident Commission on protective clothing, the interaction between drivers sand riders, and in promoting the Police Safe November motorcycle campaign. The third and final series of motorcycle safety messages from MAC featuring Mick Doohan have been completed. Costing some $2M to fund, these have promotions been very successful and have promoted motorcycle safety to the general public in a very real and vibrant way. Hopefully the levy money (if a levy is introduced) will fund the continuation of these messages. We have also started a campaign with the Minister for Transport Services (Hon. Chloe Fox MP) to provide a safe off road area where learner riders can practice their low speed maneuvers that are tested in their final assessment to obtain a restricted licence (P’s). We are waiting on the Ministers reply. On Wednesday 15

th February, I attended a meeting of the Bay to Birdwood Organising

Committee after being invited to do so as a result of a series of letters writing to them over the years. My major concern was the cost to enter a motorcycle in these events against the cost to enter a car. ($52.50) I received a good hearing and am extremely hopeful that in future B 2 B events, motorcyclists willget a better deal by being asked to pay half the fee that is levied on four wheeled vehicles. Other relevant matters were also raised at this meeting to improve this event and all will be considered. We as motorcyclists are in for interesting times in SA in the near future and be assured that the Ulysses Club are to the forefront of all these important rider issues. Neville Gray #3394



A.C.T. Report – presented by Jennifer Woods

I have just completed a submission to the NRMA – ACT Road Safety Trust for another two years funding for the MASTERS (Mature Age Skills Transfer) course. This course has had consistently positive feedback from participating riders for the previous courses held and all courses are very well attended. Whilst the funding requested this round of submissions does not fit into the stated target areas, I felt it was worth making a submission for continuation of the MASTERS. The course is especially targeted to returning riders many of who did not undertake any formal training, and is also an excellent refresher course for returning riders who did undertake formal training. The number of riders in the ACT is increasing as it is other states and territories, and we have done some media to promote the message that we are part of the solution to increased traffic woes, parking problems, and the cost of fuel, and that the authorities should not view us as a problem – we are part of the solution. Engagement with the ACT Government this year has been slower, mainly due to the move of the ACT Roads and Traffic branch, to a new government department. Informal talks and consultation still occurs as we do deal closely with the relevant people. This year saw the publication of the ACT Road Safety Action Plan 2011 – 2013, as well as the ACT Road Safety Strategy 2011 – 2020, and I was part of the team that was involved in the formulation and review of these documents although as normal, not all suggestions were adopted. I am also a member of the Majura Parkway Stakeholder Reference Group, representing motorcyclists. This road will be a major construction and to have the opportunity to be involved from the planning stage is both interesting and challenging in terms of working in a very diverse group of interested stakeholders who all expect differing outcomes. Discussions held so far have concerned about the barriers (a mix of WRB and Jersey barriers), signage, lighting, bridges and access, road construct, the bridges, intended road speed, kangaroo deterrence and crossing areas, landscaping (no trees close to the road) and traffic merging at the highway. The Motorcycle Awareness Week was once again very successful, with this year we had better funding resulting in delivery of better outcomes. The feedback from the Joe Rider See a Motorcyclist on our roads campaign was excellent. Driver distraction continues to be a major issue for us in the ACT, and frustration mounts about the continued targeting of speeding as the main issue of road safety. The installation of point to point “safety” cameras is such a case, this does nothing to address bad driving, driver distraction – use of mobiles, ipads, eating breakfast etc etc. I am grateful that the road toll stayed relatively small last year, although I recognise that every death is a terrible tragedy. I hope this year we reduce the toll even more. By working with the local authorities, by attending and contributing and highlighting the needs of PTW’s on Canberra’s roads over and over again in meetings with those responsible for roads and road safety , and by raising awareness within the community of motorcycle and scooter riders that we must be seen and considered while on the roads, we seek to make a difference. I have heard it said before, that we know with certainty that if we do not act on road and rider issues, then most certainly the government will. On other matters, the Good Gear booklet was distributed in Canberra to as many riders as possible, via various methods and at a variety of events. The booklet was also made available to riders undertaking training at Stayupright. Thanks to the ACT Government Road Safety Unit for their efforts in distribution of the book as well. Attending the MP and Senators Politicians Ride and the breakfast the next morning was fun but also important in terms of raising the profile of rider safety. Jen Woods #21395



Victoria Report – presented by Tony Ellis

Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Motorcycle Safety Probably the most important factor for Motorcycle Safety in Victoria this year has been the Parliamentary Inquiry into Motorcycle Safety. This Inquiry was set up with the following terms of reference.

... the Committee is asked to consider:

(a) trends over time in crash types including on-road and off-road crashes, rural/urban breakdown, experience levels of riders (where known) and types of motorcycles being ridden;

(b) the changing face of motorcycling and in particular, patterns of motorcycle usage over time including the uptake of motorcycles as an alternative form of transport and its impact on road safety;

(c) the attitudes of riders to safety and risk taking including drugs, alcohol, travelling at inappropriate speeds, use of protective clothing and fatigue;

(d) riders and drivers attitudes to each other;

(e) responsibilities for improving the safety of off-road riders;

(f) the efficiency and effectiveness of the accredited provider scheme in the delivery and administration of motorcycle licensing;

(g) countermeasures used in Victoria, Australia and other comparable overseas jurisdictions to reduce the number and severity of motorcycle accidents with reference to road environment treatments, behavioural change programs and the design and technology of motorcycles and protective gear;

(h) new initiatives to reduce motorcycle crashes and injuries;

(i) the appropriateness of the TAC premium for motorcyclists in relation to covering all riders eligible to claim on the TAC scheme;

(j) the effectiveness of the Motorcycle Safety Levy in improving rider safety in Victoria; and

(k) the ways government can work with non-government stakeholders to achieve motorcycle safety outcomes.

The reporting date has now been extended to December 13

th.

I made a submission on behalf of Ulysses and also appeared before the Committee to give evidence. As well as Ulysses, significant submissions were made by the Victorian Motorcycle Council and Rob Smith from Motorcycling Australia. In addition, representatives from Ulysses branches in Ballarat and Wodonga also appeared before the committee during the country hearings. Their testimony reinforced the Ulysses and VMC submissions. Further information may be found at http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/rsc/inquiry/293 Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Group (VMAG) The replacement for the Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Council has now had several meetings. The main topic of discussion at the VMAG meetings has been the proposed



Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS). In particular the need for a balanced approach which retains accessibility to riding. I will be having an informal meeting about VMAG and motorcycle issues in general with James Holgate (VicRoads Director, Road User Safety) on the 15

th of March. I will report back

on this at Mildura. Bus Lane Trials The trail of motorcycle usage of the Hoddle Street bus lanes is continuing, to date there have been reports of issues arising from this trail and hopefully it will be extended to other bus lanes on completion. Maurice Blackburn Maurice Blackburn lawyers have rendered a lot of assistance to the motorcycling community this year. They have initiated a SMIDSY (Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You) campaign and facilitated those rider groups making a submission to the parliamentary Inquiry by providing access to a former Victorian Government Solicitor (John Cain Jr) who ran a session on what to expect when we appeared before the Inquiry and how to ensure that the rider groups presented a unified front on what issues were considered important. The work done and the assistance provided have been invaluable. The SMIDSY campaign has taken on a new importance with the consideration that almost all of the motorcycle fatalities in Victoria this year have been the result of this type of crash. Memorandum of Understanding In a significant step towards presenting a unified voice in Victoria a Memorandum of Understanding about presenting a united voice on road space usage was signed by the Riders Division of Motorcycling Australia, The Motorcycle Riders Association (Victoria), The Victorian Motorcycle Council and the Australian Motorcycle Council. It’s hoped that this will go a long way to dispelling the illusion that motorcyclists in Victoria are fragmented in their approach. ARC Research Project An Australian Research Council backed research study is being undertaken by Monash University. Led by Dr Lesley Day it is a Case Control Study of motorcycle crashes in Victoria (specifically within 150km of Melbourne). It will examine every injury crash and compare these crashes with the behaviour (mong other things) of riders passing the crash scene who did not crash. There have been two meetings with members of the motorcycle community and a lot of issues have been raised (including motorcyclist’s opinion of MUARC). Motorcyclists’ input has been received and acted upon) by the researchers and, in fact, several of the researchers are active motorcyclists. This study has the potential to be one of the most important pieces of research done in into motorcycle crashes in Australia. Emergency First Response I have also been contacted by Liz de Rome to discuss a project that VicRoads have commissioned investigating how to improve the provision of emergency first response at motorcycle crashes? As a part of the process they are conducting an on-line survey of riders to find out what they know about giving first aid at crashes, whether they would be able and prepared to help a fallen rider. Again, given the remoteness of many of the favourite motorcycling areas, this is a project that could significantly contribute to saving lives and preventing long term injuries. Tony Ellis



Western Australia Report – presented by Dave Wright

Completed actions March 2011 – March 2012

• 35 of the 50 original actions from the Motorcycle and Scooter Safety Advisory Group

Forums have been completed and the balances of the actions are due for completion

later this year.

• The western Australian version of the Rider handbook (Ride Safe) was launched on

June 29th and is now available in all licensing centers throughout the state.

• The Western Australian Motorcycle Rider Competency Standard is now complete and

in use through all licensing and assessment centers and all riding instruction

organizations.

• We now have a Code of Practice for Motorcycle Safety Attire. This is a compulsory

requirement for all W.A. Department of Transport staff and learner riders being

assessed and is being encouraged as a standard for all learner riders and trainers.

• W.A. Version of making roads motorcycle friendly book completed and distributed to all road designers and road maintenance departments (I have sent copies to all W.A. Ulysses branches)

• The Good Gear Guide and the Ride On DVD and other motorcycle riding specific material has been introduced into W.A. high schools through the High School Driving Program.

• We are enquiring with the Queensland Govt. on the evaluation of their Road Safety Audit Motorcycle and if there is anything they would improve on the design and information gathering instruments, with the view to have a similar motorcycle modified for use on West Australian roads.

• I have posted out 30 copies of the Good Gear Guide, Breaking Habits, Ride on DVD and Motorcycle Aware driver stickers to all regional branches and have visited most metropolitan branches to hand out these publications and answer any questions they have on our role in their safety.

• The West Australian Government recently announced that 66% all monies raised by multi nova and red light speed camera’s will be ploughed back into road safety initiatives and this will be go up to 100% from 1

st July 2012. This not only gives us a

huge jump in the funding for road safety but also removes the tag of speed cameras only being revenue raisers for the government as this money will no longer go into general revenue.

• I had a meeting with the WA Minister for Transport Hon Troy Buswell in October regarding establishing a working group to work towards a motorcycle Transport Policy that would cover all the usual subjects of motorcycles in bus and bicycle and emergency stopping lanes. The favorable parking positions and gear lockers for motorcycle riders at train stations. I have since the meeting had some feedback from his principal policy advisor that he has instructed the Director General of Transport to organize the working group and that will include motorcycle riders

• On November 5th we held the fifth forum in our ongoing series of forums on how we

can improve the safety of riders on WA roads. At this forum we had about 45

participants which included all the visiting members of the Victorian Parliamentary

Inquiry into Motorcycle Safety, Aline Delhaye General Secretary of FEMA

(Federation of European Motorcycle Associations) Professor D’Arcy Holman (The

independent Chair of the WA Road Safety Council) And the top men from a number

of government organizations and we also had over 20 motorcycle and scooter riders

representing their clubs and groups as well as a few people who were just concerned

independent riders. We had three presenters the first was Liz De Rome who

presented the findings from her extremely good study into the effect of rider protective

clothing on the severity of injuries and the length of time in hospital and off work



compared to less protective clothing. The next presenter was Professor Raphael

Grzebieta who presented his findings on the effects and severity of motorcycle

crashes were a roadside barrier was involved and that generated some heated

debate on wire rope barriers. The research and data really does not support the fear

that these barriers generate, in a nut shell very few riders come to grief with this type

of barrier but they do save hundreds of live for other road users. The biggest danger

is the posts and not the wire and there is research under way to develop a frangible

post. The final presenter was Ken Beer who produced the publication How To Make

Roads Motorcycle Friendly, he explained how with some small changes to the road

design, maintenance and construction and with road engineers considering the needs

and safety of riders then big improvements can be made to the crash rates for

motorcycle and scooter riders. After the presentations we had a lunch break and then

held our workshops for about an hour on what we thought new actions could be taken

to improve rider safety. We now have the new list of actions that we will put forward to

the relevant Government Departments and organizations and this will be dealt with a

next month’s Motorcycle and Scooter Safety Advisory Group meeting. All up I believe

the forum was a success and it is great to get the people from the Government

agencies and private organization together with real riders to talk together in a true

spirit of cooperation to reach the goal we all want. We also must not forget that we as

individuals have an important role to play in our own safety and in the safety of

others.

• As mentioned in my last report we now have a W.A. version of making roads motorcycle friendly book completed and distributed to all road designers and road maintenance departments and we have now received funding to produce a DVD to be distributed to local authorities to give them much more details on how to approach the design and maintenance of roads for riders. We have also recently received funding for a person to travel to the regions and give a presentation on motorcycle friendly road design.

• I am now sending a bi monthly motorcycle safety update to all WA branches that attempts to cover motorcycle safety issues in WA and incorporating any national issues that are for public consumption.

New Actions

• Work with W.A. Police and W.A. Main Roads Department to enhance the

fatal and serious accident investigations to move more towards solving and

curing the problems and less emphasis on who was to blame. In other words

how did it happen and what can we do to reduce the likelihood of the same

type of accident repeating at that location and other similar locations.

• We now have our working group established to look into the possibility of

establishing a W.A. Motorcycle Transport Policy.

• I now have regular meetings with W.A. Main Roads Department Executive

Director to discuss new issues as they arise such as enhanced signage, Line

marking and road delineation.

• I have also had some meetings with the W.A. Commissioner of Police on

conducting some joint motorcycle safety courses.

Dave Wright #51871

Documents

Minutes of the UCRSC Road Safety Forum 29032012 Mildura v2frasercoast.ulyssesclub.org/Portals/qldfras/documents/roadsafety... · Minutes of the Road Safety Forum held in Mildura 2012