Sydney launches bike & scooter strategy
Scheme aimed at easing life for commutersThe City of Sydney has launched a draft motorcycle-friendly transport strategy, written in consultation with the NSW Motorcycle Council and well-known motorcycle media identity Peter Thoeming.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said the strategy is designed to support the increasing number of people making the switch from four wheels to two.
"The number of registered motorcycles rose from 351,000 to 512,000 between 2001 and 2007," Ms Moore said. "More and more motorists are feeling the pinch of increasing petrol prices and are switching to motorbikes which can consume up to four times less fuel than a car while being easier to park.
"The City is committed to sustainable transport options and supports the gradual shift away from large, polluting vehicles to smaller more efficient vehicles to complement walking, cycling and public transport.
"This draft strategy addresses the key issues motorcycle and scooter riders face on a daily basis - parking, safety and security. The current pay and display parking meters discriminate against motorcyclists who cannot display a ticket on a dashboard and risk having a ticket stolen or blown away.
"This strategy proposes to exempt motorcyclists and scooter riders from paying parking meters, but they will still be required to comply with maximum time restrictions which are enforced by City Rangers," Ms Moore said.
Honda Australia says all major cities should aim to follow in the footsteps of Sydney on this issue.
"It is fantastic to see that government at a local level are recognising the need to look after those people who opt to use fuel efficient, low emission vehicles," said Honda's General Manager, Motorcycles, Tony Hinton.
"Scooters and motorcycles sales are continuing to go up because people of all ages realise they are a viable commuting alternative in the face of rising fuel costs and environmental issues."
Compared to the first six months of last year, the number of people purchasing road motorcycles has increased by 9% and scooters by nearly 8%, according to figures recently released by the FCAI.
"It is particularly encouraging to see that the City of Sydney is recognising the need to reduce road tolls for riders."
"Motorcycles and scooters take up less space than cars on the road and cause far less wear and tear on infrastructure so it is only fair that riders be offered an incentive."
"We are hopeful that other large cities in Australia will follow suit with those additional initiatives they do not already have in place," Hinton added.
The key points of the strategy are:
- Allow free parking in ticket parking zones until an equitable pay system is available
- Continue to provide some free dedicated parking in appropriate locations
- Offer discounted residential parking permits
- Offer discounted commuter parking in City parking stations
- Advocate for the inclusion of motorcycles in the Green Vehicle Guide
- Advocate for the introduction of national emissions standards for motorcycles
- Promote the use of electric motorcycles and investigate charging points
- Advocate for fairer and cheaper road toll payment options
Provide road safety programs
- Advocate reform of regulations which prevent motorcycle couriers from using loading zones
- Liaise with the RTA to investigate increased motorcycle parking on the departure side of intersections
- Promote improved motorcycle awareness by car drivers
Identify and rectify any potential hazards on local roads
Trial on-street motorcycle locking devices in suitable areas
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
