Queensland Motorcycle Safety Strategy 2009–2012
Motorcycle usage is growing in popularity in Queensland (in 2011 there were over 162,000 motorcycles registered). The
Queensland Motorcycle Safety Strategy 2009-2012 (PDF, 2.71 MB), provides a blueprint for motorcycle safety through until 2012.
To aid the development of the strategy key stakeholders and the general public were invited to have their say in the
Motorbike safety in Queensland — consultation paper (PDF, 361 KB). The outcomes form this consultation are documented in the
Motorbike Safety Consultation Workshops 2008 report (PDF, 417 KB) and the Community Feedback to the
Motorbike Safety Consultation paper report (PDF, 410 KB).
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Initiatives implemented as part of the Queensland Motorcycle Safety Strategy include:
The Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAM Scheme)
The introduction of the LAM Scheme means safer motorcycles for novice riders while providing consistency across other states in Australia. The Scheme replaced the previous 250 mL engine capacity restriction for class RE motorcycle licence holders with combined power-to-weight ratio and engine capacity restrictions now in force.
The power-to-weight ratio is a comparison of the engine output to the weight of the bike. It is a measure of the motorcycle’s performance. The LAM Scheme restricts novice riders to motorcycles with a power-to-weight ratio that does not exceed 150 kW/t and an engine capacity that does not exceed 660 mL. In effect, class RE licence holders will have access to a much larger range of motorcycles without compromising their safety. More information on the Scheme can be found on the LAM page.
Provisional motorcycle licence holders must display a P-plate
This initiative brought all provisional licence holders (both drivers and motorcyclists) in line. Displaying P-plates on motorcycles clearly identifies newly licensed riders to other road users and facilitates the enforcement of particular restrictions that apply to these licence holders. A single P-plate is required at the rear of the motorcycle only, similar to the requirement to display L-plates on motorcycles.
Learner riders no longer able to carry any pillion passengers
Motorcycle learners are prohibited from carrying pillion passengers (including supervisors). This removes the risk that a pillion passenger poses to stability and balance of a motorcycle for a novice rider.
Zero blood alcohol concentration (0.00 BAC) for novice riders
Since 1 July 2010, class RE motorcycle licence holders are required to ride with a 0.00 BAC during their first year of riding. Extending the 0.00 BAC to all motorcyclists for the first 12 months of riding along with provisional and probationary motorcyclists allows basic on-road riding skills to be developed safely without the added potential risks associated with alcohol impairment. For more information see Introduction of zero blood alcohol concentration (0.00 BAC) for novice motorcycle riders (PDF, 84 KB).
Public education campaigns
Public education campaigns have been developed by the department to:
- encourage riders to wear protective clothing that increases visibility to other road users
- encourage riders to adopt safe riding principles through the ‘Be aware. Take care. Survive’ campaign
- promote the motorcycle riders’ handbook
- promote initiatives from the Queensland Motorcycle Safety Strategy 2009-2012.
More information on current and previous motorcycle safety campaigns can be found on the Motorcycle Safety website.
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