Victoria launches coaching trial

The Victorian Labor government has launched an on-road motorcycle coaching trial, which it claims is a world first.

The trial, which was initiated by the Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Council and is to be funded by the annual TAC 'safety levy', will invite 2400 newly licensed riders to participate in a coaching program on the basis that teaching effective roadcraft can make a fundamental difference in reducing the road toll.

Unfortunately, at the same time the trial (called VicRide) was being launched, Victoria's top traffic policeman, Assistant Commissioner (Traffic) Ken Lay, was on the airwaves of high-rating radio station 3AW calling for front numberplates to be introduced on motorcycles.

The numberplate proposal was trashed a number of years ago, but that didn't stop Lay reintroducing the topic with the imprimatur of 3AW host Neil Mitchell - while the Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas was launching a program that is actually trying to address real motorcycle safety issues instead of peddling anti-motorcycle bias.

"We understand Victorians are concerned about road safety, which is why the Brumby Labor Government is improving community safety to drive down the road toll," Mr Pallas said.

"No other on-road motorcycle safety program has been implemented on such a large scale or evaluated as comprehensively.

"This on-road trial will include 2400 newly licensed riders and will show how effective coaching can be in making motorcyclists safer road users.

Mr Pallas said half the participants are to be given on-road guidance from experienced coaches. The other half will ride without coaching and the results of the two groups will be compared to determine the effectiveness of the program.

"The trial will improve our understanding of the benefits of on-road coaching for beginners and the findings will assist us in determining how it could be used in the future," Mr Pallas continued.

"Each rider who participates in the trial will receive a four-hour coaching session involving a variety of city and country riding, and participation in interviews. The coach will discuss riding styles, provide advice, hints and feedback, and demonstrate safe riding skills."

Recruitment for the trial will begin immediately and is expected to take several months.

The trial is part of the government's Powered Two Wheelers Action Plan 2009-2013 strategy released last year, which promotes safety and better integration of motorcycles across the Victorian transport network.