Lane-splitting debate extended
The federal government's attempt to bring in national anti lane-splitting rules is meeting with very strong resistance from motorcycle groups, and the deadline for submissions on the idea has been extended to February 3.Over 300 submissions have been sent to the National Transport Commission, which is used to receiving no comment at all on much of its work.
Several lobby groups have become involved, including the NSW Motorcycle Council and the MRAA from Victoria. We also understand that the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria has reservations about the new regulation, because of a lack of evidence to support the move.
The MRAA is holding a protest ride oat 7.00am at the corner of the eastern freeway and Springvale Road, where it plans to have a large group of riders join morning peak hour and riding according to the new rule. The idea is to highlight its ability to add to traffic congestion.
BikePoint is strongly against the regulation for a number of reasons:
1. There is no evidence of the alleged dangers of lane-splitting;
2. There is evidence to suggest that banning the practice may in fact lower safety;
3. It is an inconvenience to all road-users.
All the details of the new regulation and its justification can be found via this web link: http://www.ntc.gov.au/RFCList2004.aspx
See our editorial for a copy of the submission we have sent to the NTC.
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