Tartan Diver Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 Hi All As a biker ( motorbike) who has been commuting from surrey into London every day for years and had many close shaves with all other kinds of road users and pedestrians. I was wondering how biking in Melbourne compares to the madness I go through at present. I will be arriving in April and hopefully be replacing my beloved 750s for something new and shiny soon after arriving, I would be interested in hearing a few stories from other bikers in Melbourne, and how do the laws differ on road use for bikers?. Would also be interested in local meets and social rides, possibly biker clubs or groups If anyone can recommend something that would be great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tina0101 Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 In Qld, our UK lids are illegal, there is no filtering, there is no pack riding (although I think there are a few organised ride outs by local motorcycle dealers). It may be different in Melbourne but I would recommend googling it and reading the rules. It is very different to the UK laws and I am hoping they change the rules as my UK lid is way nicer than my Qld one!! https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/road-rules/a-to-z-of-road-rules/motorcycles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skani Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 Would also be interested in local meets and social rides, possibly biker clubs or groups If anyone can recommend something that would be great. There are stacks of bike clubs in Victoria. These 2 lists should cover most of them: http://www.bikepoint.com.au/content/club-listings/VIC/ http://www.motorcyclingvic.com.au/index.php?id=1701 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tartan Diver Posted January 12, 2015 Author Share Posted January 12, 2015 "These helmets must have a mark showing that they comply with the Australian Standard, AS/NZS1698. If the helmet has a face shield or visor it must meet the Australian Standard, AS1609" I have 3 lids all of which cost over £300 each and unless I can get hold of a wee sticker I might as well try and sell them. So I presume if theres a traffic jam I have to just sit there in the traffic as filtering would get me a ticket? might as well just drive. Just been reading some info from the link you posted (thanks) some interesting ideas and some crazy. I'll just have to adapt I quess, I love biking and cant give it up will have to look and see how much an aussie lid costs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tartan Diver Posted January 12, 2015 Author Share Posted January 12, 2015 There are stacks of bike clubs in Victoria. These 2 lists should cover most of them: http://www.bikepoint.com.au/content/club-listings/VIC/ http://www.motorcyclingvic.com.au/index.php?id=1701 Thats brilliant thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzukiscottie Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 You'll be fine filtering in Melbourne as long as it's safe to do so. I really only ever do it in stationary or slow moving traffic. I've seen plenty others splitting lanes in high speed traffic though, but it's a risk! Parking on pavements in Melbourne is great! http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/ParkingTransportandRoads/Parking/WhereToPark/Pages/Motorcycleparking.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
furkew Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 lane splitting is now legal in Vic. I believe it changed as per 1st Jan. Also, I rode with a European lid and even claimed it on an insurance claim when I dropped the bike. It was a Schubert which they didn't even sell in Australia. I pointed the assessor to the website and had no issues with the payout. There is something in the pipeline as well regarding European lids being brought in soon. ill see if I can find the link. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
furkew Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 my mistake, It was QLD & NSW that has/is changing its rules. While this applies to Queensland, it is already working in NSW. Other states and territories may follow as some point. It's about time Australia caught up with the rest of the world. So please look out for motorcyclists lane filtering so everyone can stay safe. Thank you. http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Queensland-road-rules/Motorcycle-road-rules.aspx A number of changes to road rules affecting motorcycle riders in Queensland will commence in early 2015. The changes were proposed in the Motorcycle Discussion Paper: Road Rules for Motorcycle Riders, released earlier this year, and are related to lane filtering, motorcycle control and motorcycle helmets. Please note that the current rules and penalties for riding a motorcycle in Queensland will remain in place until the changes commence in early 2015. Reasons for the road rule changes Motorcycle riders, motorcycle associations and members of the general community have frequently asked for clarification of the rules for lane filtering and other motorcycle related issues encountered in everyday riding. The discussion paper and accompanying online survey were released for community feedback for a 6-week period in mid-2014. The 3 topics considered in the discussion paper were: introducing lane filtering simplifying motorcycle control rules broadening the approved motorcycle helmet standards. Over 9,000 responses to the Discussion Paper were received, with the majority of respondents indicating support for the proposed changes. The changes to rules for motorcycle riders are based on a review of this community feedback, road safety research and practices in other jurisdictions. These new rules will only apply in Queensland. Motorcycle riders riding interstate should check the relevant rules with the relevant licensing authority. Lane filtering Lane filtering is riding a motorcycle at low speeds between stationary or slow moving vehicles travelling in the same direction as the rider. It is often already practised by motorcycle riders in Queensland, especially when traffic is congested, however they run the risk of breaking various road rules when doing so, such as not staying within a marked lane or changing lanes without signalling. New lane filtering rules for Queensland Commencing in early 2015, motorcycle riders with an open RE or R motorcycle licence will be allowed to move between lanes of stationary or slow moving vehicles travelling in the same direction as the rider, provided they are not travelling at more than 30km/h and it is safe to do so. Learner and provisional riders will not be allowed to lane filter because of their relatively limited on-road driving and riding experience. If done safely, lane filtering may ease traffic congestion for all road users, allowing motorcycle riders to move quickly and safely away from congested traffic. Lane filtering safely Motorcycle riders will be prohibited from lane filtering in school zones during school hours. Motorcycle riders will be advised to always look out for pedestrians and cyclists when lane filtering. It will also be recommended that a motorcycle rider should not lane filter near heavy vehicles or buses due to the safety risk as drivers of heavy vehicles and buses may have trouble seeing motorcycles. Riding on road shoulders and kerbside On major roads, such as motorways and freeways where the speed limit is 90km/hr or more, a motorcycle rider who holds an open licence will be allowed to ride past stationary or slow moving traffic at speeds not greater than 30km/hr on the road shoulder (the sealed area of a road to the left or right of an edge line). A motorcycle rider will be required to give way to cyclists or motorcycle riders already on the road shoulder. Riding on a road shoulder will not be allowed on roads with lower speed limits where there may be more pedestrian activity and it may pose a greater road safety risk to pedestrians. To ensure pedestrian safety, lane filtering will only be allowed between lanes of traffic and not between a vehicle and the kerb. Motorcycle riders in bicycle storage areas and bicycle lanes Motorcycle riders will be allowed to enter bicycle storage areas (the areas of road close to an intersection with traffic lights that allows cyclists to wait in front of vehicles stopped at the intersection, and usually painted green with white bicycle symbols). This will allow them to move quickly and safely away from traffic. Motorcycle riders are not allowed to ride in bicycle lanes in normal circumstances and this will not change. However, all vehicles, including motorcycles, can travel for up to 50m in a bicycle lane in various special circumstances, such as to stop or park in the lane, to enter or leave a road, or to avoid an obstruction. Lane splitting Lane splitting is a term sometimes used for riding a motorcycle at speed through moving traffic. The higher speed increases the unpredictability of motorcycle movements and so would increase the crash risk for the rider and other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. In Queensland lane filtering at over 30km/hr will be prohibited and penalties will apply. Penalties for breaking lane filtering rules Commencing in early 2015, an offence for breaking lane filtering rules (such as lane filtering at over 30km/hr or in a school zone during school zone hours) will be introduced, with appropriate penalties. The current rules and penalties will remain in place until the changes commence in early 2015. Lane filtering elsewhere in Australia New South Wales has already introduced lane filtering following a trial conducted in Sydney in 2013, and the Australian Capital Territory has announced a 2-year trial of lane filtering commencing in February 2015. Motorcycle riders should note that the rules in these and other jurisdictions differ from the Queensland rules. Before riding interstate, motorcycle riders should check the relevant rules with the licensing authority in any jurisdiction where they are riding. Motorcycle control New rules for controlling a motorcycle Currently, the rider of a motorcycle that is moving or stationary but not parked must sit astride their seat facing forwards and ride with at least one hand on the handlebars. When the motorcycle is moving they must keep both feet on the footrests. These rules can cause practical difficulties for motorcycle riders. From early 2015, these strict rules about how a motorcycle rider must sit and where they have their hands and feet will be removed, allowing motorcycle riders to, for example, remove a foot from the footrests to stretch a leg or raise themselves from the seat when riding on uneven road surfaces. Motorcycle riders will still be required to be astride their seat, meaning that they must have one leg on either side of the seat when riding. Penalties will continue to apply to ensure that motorcycle riders have proper control of their motorcycle, ride with due care and attention and do not operate their motorcycle dangerously. Reasons for the changes The strict rules about how a motorcycle rider must sit and where they must have their hands and feet were intended to give riders clear guidelines on how to control their motorcycle and also to prevent unsafe riding, such as stunt riding. However these strict rules sometimes interfere with the everyday practicalities of riding a motorcycle. For example, a rider removing their feet from the footrests to reverse into a parking space, stretching a leg to avoid fatigue, turning their head to do a shoulder check or raising themselves from the seat when riding on uneven road surfaces may unintentionally be breaking the current rules. There are broader laws in place about proper control of a motorcycle and not riding carelessly or dangerously that already prohibit unsafe riding, making these strict rules about where a motorcycle rider must have their hands and feet unnecessary. What about pillion passengers Some of the changes will also apply to pillion passengers from early 2015. They will still be required to be astride the seat and face forwards but will be able to raise themselves from the seat or stretch a leg without breaking the rules. Penalties for breaking the motorcycle control rules Penalties will continue to apply where motorcycle riders do not comply with the rules. If a motorcycle rider or pillion passenger breaks the new rules after they are introduced in early 2015, they may receive a fine of $151. Broader laws will continue to be enforced to ensure motorcycle riders have proper control of their motorcycle, ride with due care and attention and do not operate their motorcycle dangerously. Motorcycle control rules elsewhere in Australia Different rules will apply in other jurisdictions about how a motorcycle rider must sit and where they must have their hands and feet. Before riding interstate, motorcycle riders and pillion passengers should check the rules with the licensing authority in any jurisdiction where they are riding. Motorcycle helmets New rules for motorcycle helmets Currently, motorcycle riders on Queensland roads are required to wear a helmet that complies with Australian standard AS1698 or AS/NZS1698. From early 2015, the range of motorcycle helmets approved for use in Queensland will be expanded to include those complying with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) 22.05 standard. Reasons for the changes For road safety reasons, all motorcycle riders on Queensland roads must wear an approved motorcycle helmet securely fitted and fastened on their head. Restricting available helmets to those that meet Australian standards limits the range of helmets available and sometimes the sizing is unsuitable, particularly for people with larger heads. Helmets meeting ECE standards have a similar safety record to those meeting Australian standards, so from early 2015 the range of helmets approved for use in Queensland will be expanded to include those that meet the ECE 22.05 standard. What about motorcycle passengers Pillion and sidecar passengers will also be able to wear helmets complying with the ECE 22.05 standard in addition to helmets complying with the Australian standards. Buying a helmet meeting the European standard Australian consumer law currently restricts the sale of helmets in Australia to those that comply with Australian standards so it would be an offence for a retailer to sell other helmets. However, Queenslanders will be able to legally buy helmets meeting the ECE 22.05 standard through international online retailers or if they are travelling overseas. Penalties for breaking the motorcycle helmet rules A fine of $341 and 3 demerit points will continue to apply to motorcycle riders or passengers who break the motorcycle helmet rules. Double demerit points still apply for second or subsequent offences within a 12-month period of failing to wear a helmet. Helmet labels and stickers To make sure the helmets meet the ECE 22.05 standard and to support enforcement activities, helmets approved under the standard will be required to display a label certifying compliance with the standard. The regulations governing the ECE 22.05 standard currently require the display of such labels (for example, a sticker on the outside of the helmet or a stitched label on the inside of the helmet). Helmet standards elsewhere in Australia Currently other Australian states and territories only allow helmets approved under Australian standards, although some jurisdictions are reviewing helmet standards. Motorcycle riders and passengers should be aware that after Queensland has expanded its helmet range in early 2015, it will still be an offence to wear a helmet approved under the ECE 22.05 standard when riding in other Australian states or territories. Last updated 26 November 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diane Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 Not sure how old you are - but if you have been commuting "for years" you may possibly be in the age range for a Motorcyle group called Ulysses - one of our neighbours is one of the local organisers for this: they do regular rides, talks, social get togethers and even biking holidays overseas, as well as being active lobbyists for improved saftey etc for bikers . think the local branch is here - http://centralvictoria.ulyssesclub.org/ Make sure you remember that you're a biker, not a bikie, as they are two quite different things! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tartan Diver Posted January 13, 2015 Author Share Posted January 13, 2015 Thanks for that furkew, all this just seems like common sense to me but it's good that there at least now making changes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tartan Diver Posted January 13, 2015 Author Share Posted January 13, 2015 Not sure how old you are - but if you have been commuting "for years" you may possibly be in the age range for a Motorcyle group called Ulysses - one of our neighbours is one of the local organisers for this: they do regular rides, talks, social get togethers and even biking holidays overseas, as well as being active lobbyists for improved saftey etc for bikers . think the local branch is here - http://centralvictoria.ulyssesclub.org/ Make sure you remember that you're a biker, not a bikie, as they are two quite different things! Hi Diane, I'm very early forties so I just meet there criteria for membership but I think I'll feel like a fish out of water as it seems to be more for bikers in there later years of life. When you put biker and not bikie I thought bikie was a cyclist until I googled..... aahhhh I see its not a cyclist. cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
furkew Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 Thanks for that furkew, all this just seems like common sense to me but it's good that there at least now making changes. I sold my bike a couple of years ago (too many toys and not enough time) and never had issues with lane splitting, even cruised slowly past police cars at traffic lights, and no probs. The general motorists here are not biker friendly, as in they don't look out for motorbikes in traffic enough, so you need eyes in your arse, but if you are a confident (not over-confident) rider, you should be fine BTW, IMO You will LOVE riding in Australia if you get chance to do rides such as the Moto GP (along with 5,000 other bikes), the snowy ride or just general big weekend rides that get organized regularly once you get to know a few fellow bikers. this was one of my local favourite spots to ride just outside melbourne : Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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