New South Australian motorcyclists face licensing overhaul in response to horror year of rider fatalities

NEW motorcyclists could face a licensing overhaul, including a P-plate scheme similar to car drivers, in response to South Australia’s worst year of bike rider fatalities in more than two decades.

• Motorbike fatalities in South Australia soar by 240 per cent

NEW motorcyclists could face a licensing overhaul, including a P-plate scheme similar to car drivers, in response to South Australia’s worst year of bike rider fatalities in more than two decades.

A new protective rider clothing star rating scheme, an enforcement crackdown, better motorbike education and more money to improve road infrastructure were among other initiatives considered by a State Government task force, which held emergency talks on Wednesday.

Figures show 22 motorcyclists have died on the state’s roads this year — the equal worst in 23 years — compared with eight in 2016, despite several police operations and government safety campaigns.

The Advertiser can reveal a Transport Department review is considering “reforms” including a specialised “motorcycle graduated licensing scheme”.

At present, P-plate car drivers face a series of conditions and lose their licence if caught speeding 10km/h above the limit, with any alcohol or drugs in their system or accumulate at least four demerit points.

South Australia has experienced its worst year of bike rider fatalities in more than two decades.

Motorbike L-plate riders face similar restrictions for two years before they graduate to a specialised class of licence that only restricts the power of the motorbike they ride.

Researchers from Adelaide University’s Centre for Automotive Safety Research are investigating the merits of a strengthened motorbike licensing scheme.

The Motorcycle Reference Group — comprising Ministers, government officials, police, bike organisations, doctors, road safety campaigners and industry bodies — will meet next year to assess the review.

“To have so many motorcyclists lose their lives on the roads this year is incredibly alarming,” Road Safety Minister Chris Picton said.

“We want to strike the right balance between road safety, our policing and the personal responsibility of motorcyclists to ride safely.

“I want us to be at the forefront when it comes to motorcycle safety initiatives — this year’s carnage on our roads must not be repeated.”

Mr Picton said the reference group, formed in 2013 to provide the government with motorcycle safety advice, wanted “every idea to be put on the table, discussed, carefully considered and then assessed on merit”.

During Wednesday’s meeting, concerns were aired about some riders speeding, not obeying the laws and being inexperienced.

The crisis meeting came two days after the latest fatal crash involving a bike rider.

Jordynn Knight, 21, of Christies Beach, became the state’s 96th road fatality for the year after crashing his brand new trail bike at Kangarilla as he travelled through the Adelaide Hills to work.

The state’s road toll was 81 at the same time last year.

This year’s fatal bike crashes have involved riders aged between 21 and 70 with a “range of riding experience”.

Government data shows the number of motorcycle deaths have “skyrocketed to double the annual five year average”.

Since 2012, an average 11 bike riders were killed on the state’s roads each year and a further 127 seriously injured.

Separate official figures show motorcyclists face a risk of death or serious injury more than 30 times higher than car drivers.

Speaking after yesterday’s crisis talks — which also included representatives of the Motorcycle Riders Association of SA, Ride to Review, Ulysses Club of SA Inc, Women’s International Motorcycling Association and BMW Owners Club — Mr Picton issued a fresh road safety plea.

“Once again I send a plea to all riders to please take care, drive to your skill level and road conditions and make sure you wear good quality protective clothing,” he said.

Mr Picton said speed appeared to be a “significant factor in fatalities and some motorcyclists continue to ignore the safety message”.

He said the government, through the Transport Department, Motor Accident Commission and police all “dedicate considerable effort in protecting motorcyclists as we know they are vulnerable road users”.

He added: “However it is incredibly important for motorcyclists to ensure they do everything they can to reduce their risk of crashing or suffering serious injury.”

He said the government was spending at least $1.6 million on upgrading road infrastructure.

The officer in charge of SA Police’s Traffic Support Group, Superintendent Anthony Fioravanti, said since October officers had been undertaking Operation Safe Hills which targeted speeding car and “dangerous driving behaviour”.

“Since the start of the operation we have seen motorcyclists consistently detected exceeding speed limits by around 40 and 60km/h,” he said.

“This is just simply unacceptable behaviour and we all need to work together to develop initiatives and ideas to help stop this occurring.”

Motor Accident Commission road safety manager Matt Hanton said authorities were battling rider behaviours and asking “how we can change that attitude”.

RAA road safety manager Charles Mountain said all ideas needed to be considered as there was a “general recognition something needs to be done”.