Illawarra worry

The petition obtained over 600 signatures. As a result a Macquarie Pass Safety Group has been formed with representatives from the Illawarra Riders Association, the Motorcycle Council of NSW, the RTA, Police and council Road Safety Officers.

On the Pass in the past two and a half years four motorcyclists have died. Police identified that speed was a contributing factor in each of the crashes.

As two of the four deaths involved head-ons, the petition requested a number of improvements including the clearing of overhanging vegetation to improve vision through corners and centreline marking to improve delineation. These improvements are currently being investigated by the RTA.

Actions taken so far include additional signage installed at the railway bridge where two riders have died, an information board has been erected at the Robertson Pie Shop and information booklets have been made available. An information day is planned during Motorcycle Awareness Week on Saturday 29th October 2005.

"The fact that we collected over 600 signatures on the petition is a clear indication of the level of concern about safety on the Pass" said Garry Oliver of the Illawarra Riders Association.

"We have had two meetings with the RTA, Police and Road Safety Officers which have been very positive, everyone is keen to work together to make improvements" said Scott Young of the Illawarra Riders Association.

The Pass is unpredictable, with a mix of vehicles sharing the road including large trucks. Speeding js just not a safe option for anyone using Macquarie Pass.

For more information regarding the safety group contact: The Illawarra Riders Association, Garry 0403 950 275, Scott 0414 446 220.