ADELAIDE HILLS MOTORCYCLING ROAD SAFETY STRATEGY

In reply to the Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (22 November 2007).

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs): I am advised:

Prior to its voluntary disbandment in 2005, the Adelaide Hills Community Road Safety Group undertook an investigation of motorcycle safety in the Adelaide Hills and Mt Barker Council areas. The group received $5,000 funding for this project, which was part of the Community Road Safety Grant Scheme, then administered by the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI), (currently administered by the Motor Accident Commission). The project's outcome in May 2004 was the development of the Adelaide Hills Motorcycle Road Safety Strategy document.

This strategy document presented a summary of issues raised through consultation with the local communities, leading to suggested actions for improving motorcycling safety in the Adelaide Hills. Although the strategy was presented to the Adelaide Hills Council and District Council of Mount Barker, as a consequence of the group's termination, no further action was undertaken by the community group.

About implementation of the actions contained in the Adelaide Hills Motorcycle Road Safety Strategy, I am told that many of its actions are of general relevance to all motorcycle riders in the state, not just to those in the Adelaide Hills. Such actions generally correspond to those in the South Australian Motorcycle Road Safety Strategy 2005-10 released by the government late in 2005. The South Australian strategy was developed by the Road Safety Advisory Council's Motorcycle Task Force, which comprises representatives from DTEI, South Australia Police and several peak motorcycle rider associations. I can say that at least 24 actions in the statewide strategy have so far been implemented. In consequence, the following actions from the Adelaide Hills strategy can be considered to be implemented:

Developing appropriate campaigns that recognise the broad range of motorcycle riders

Availability of retraining after a period of 5-10 years not riding a motorcycle

Considering the best methods of education/awareness about motorcycle safety

Considering the use of variable message/mobile signs

Promoting motorcycle-friendly road maintenance practices

Undertaking road safety audits on popular motorcycle routes

Reviewing high risk road locations nominated through consultation

Reviewing the adequacy of road widths on curves and developing programs to undertake localised shoulder sealing

Reviewing maintenance practices to ensure diesel spills are cleaned as soon as possible

Promoting the 1800 018 313 hazard report phone number

Undertaking licence/registration checks at key locations

Undertaking enforcement as appropriate on drivers who cut corners

Undertaking enforcement as appropriate on high speeds by motorcyclists

Promoting road safety education in schools.

Finally, I have received a few enquiries from the Southern and Hills Local Government Association and from some members of parliament regarding re-constituting the Adelaide Hills Community Road Safety Group. I am advised that DTEI will consult the Southern and Hills Local Government Association and its individual local councils, to explore re-forming this group in 2008.