Triple triumph for Qld motorcyclists

Queensland transport minister Scott Emerson has delivered the state’s motorcyclists some good news after a brutal 12 months, announcing the introduction of lane filtering early in 2015.

Under the change, motorcyclists will be able to weave through traffic moving at 30km/h or less, with the exception through school zones.

“Lane filtering is… a sensible change that will be welcomed by motorcycle groups but also recognise the practicalities of riding a motorcycle,” said Emerson.

The change follows on from a government discussion paper released in May 2014 which invited community feedback on a number of issues, including the legalisation of fileting, “motorcycle control” and flagging the possibility of adopting additional motorcycle helmet standards within Queensland other than just AS1698 – for example those from Japan, the United States and Europe.

Motorcycle control recently became a hot topic which recently when a rider was fined for having his foot off the footpeg – a very expensive stretch as current laws dictate that a rider must keep both feet on the footrests when moving.

Well, that won’t be an issue in 2015 because Emerson has also given the green light to that change, and the nod to adopting other international helmet standards as well – three big wins for Queensland riders.

Over 9000 people responded to the discussion paper, with more than 90 per cent supporting lane filtering.

“These changes follow feedback from the discussion paper we released in May and are another example of this government listening and delivering for Queenslanders,” Mr Emerson said. “This is all part of our strong plan to make this state the safest place to live, travel, work and raise a family.”

To read more about the new changes click here.