Logan police plead for motorcycle safety after deadly year on roads

Logan police are pleading with bikers to take safety seriously after 51 fatal motorbike crashes in QLD so far this year, 12 locally.

After a deadly year for Queensland motorcyclists, Logan Police are pleading with riders to take road safety more seriously.

Jimboomba police have organised a safety course, at Jimboomba State School hall on October 2, after a spate of fatalities on Logan and Scenic Rim roads.

This year alone there have been 12 motorcycle deaths in the South Eastern Region, mirroring an alarming statewide trend which has seen 51 motorcyclists lose their lives.

That is 17 more than the same time last year.

In July this year Levi Walsh, 17, was killed after he was thrown from a dirt bike into a wooden power pole on a Logan road when he swerved to miss a car.

Levi Walsh, 17, was killed after he was thrown from a dirt bike into a wooden power pole on a Logan road.

Less than 24 hours later, a 31-year-old Cedar Vale man died after being thrown from his motorcycle while travelling along Mount Cotton Rd at Cornubia.

In May, 48-year-old Jason Bennett died at the corner of Blue Eagle Drive and Ellerslie Rd at Meadowbrook after his partner begged him not to go out riding.

In April, Balds Hills father Ron McKean, 38, died after a fiery collision on the Mount Lindesay Hwy at Woodhill.

Police investigations indicated his motorcycle was travelling on the wrong side of the road before the collision with a BT-50 ute and then a Ford Mustang.

In February, Bethania’s Abel Prassler was travelling southbound on Compton Rd, Slacks Creek when his bike and a red Nissan hatchback collided.

Jason Bennett.

The mother of a 35-year-old man killed in a crash at Logan in January says her “heart is broken”.

Scott Kevill was riding a motorcycle that collided with a truck at the corner of Magnesium Drive and Radium St at Crestmead.

Paramedics provided emergency assistance, but the Park Ridge man died a short time after the crash.

Assistant Commissioner Brian Wilkins said bikers were arguably the most vulnerable road users, so police wanted them to know that a safer ride started with them.

“We are inviting motorcycle riders who use our roads in the Scenic Rim and Logan to take part in a skill enhancing course, designed to help make their rides safer and more enjoyable,” Assistant Commissioner Wilkins said.

“We’re doing what we can to offer an opportunity for riders to be best equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure their safety on our roads.’’

Abel Prassler with his fiance Sarah Olguin. Photo – Facebook

Registration for the course is now open and includes practical tips to become a better rider, presentations from a motorcycle police officer, a forensic crash investigator and a paramedic, as well as a mentored ride with course facilitators and police officers on popular ride routes in the Scenic Rim.

Officer in Charge of Jimboomba Police Station, Snr-Sgt Peter Waugh, said the course was open to riders of all skill levels, not just beginner riders.

“We’re particularly talking to those who are returning to riding later in life and who perhaps have just recently bought their dream motorcycle and are starting to hit the road,” he said.

“Our roads around here are great roads and wonderful riding areas that are advertised in international riding magazines and draw a lot of attention.

“People are coming from everywhere in Queensland to ride these Scenic Rim and Logan roads.

“Riders need to remember to ride to the conditions of the road and your ability.

“We know that there is always room for improvement. Even our motorcycle officers refresh their skills every 12 months.

Scott Kevill was killed in a fatal crash at Crestmead. Photo – Facebook

“This course teaches motorcycle dynamics, how your brain and vision work together to improve cornering, how to maximise your visibility on the road and the best riding gear to invest in.

“Our ultimate goal is for some of our most vulnerable road users to maximise their riding experiences and minimise the risk of them being on the road. We know a safe ride is a good ride.”

As part of their ongoing efforts, police officers in the Logan policing district will be proactively engaging with motorcycle riders on their weekend rides around the Scenic Rim.

Snr-Sgt Waugh said no matter how long a rider had been on a bike, how much experience they’ve had or how much they thought they knww, there was always room to reach the next level.

To join the program all you need is your own bike to bring on the day and a valid motorcycle licence.

Registration for the course costs only $50, those interested can register here.