We are seeing more and more offenses in regards to the placement of number plates on motorcycles.

What the law says …
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As responsible motorcyclists we should remember an old saying which would fit here perfectly ..

Mates don’t let Mates drink and ride !

Ride safely, celebrate Christmas responsibly … have fun and look out for each other and hope you and your families have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

See you all in 2010 …

Paul

Congratulations to all MATES.

Yesterday, 8th October 2009, at a prestigious award ceremony at Parliament House, Brisbane, the Honorable Rachel Nolan, MP, Minister for Transport presented MATES with a Queensland Road Safety Award - Commended in the Community Category.

The Queensland Road Safety Awards are a joint initiative of the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland (CARRSQ) and Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) and supported by a number of government and community organizations, including Queensland Police, Queensland Transport and Main Roads, Leighton Constructions and Radio Station 96five.

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Queensland Transport has announced new road rules in Queensland effective from 12/10/2009.  Some of the new road rules relate to motorcycles and other road rules relate to all vehicles.

New motorcycle rules relate to carrying animals on fuel tanks and carrying passengers in side cars.  Other new road rules relate to fog lights, seatbelts, parking, road markings, radar detectors, etc.

A full list of the new road rules are on the QT website  QT new road rules and explained in a pdf at road rules pdf

Of the 214 fatal crashes in Queensland in 2009, 245 people have so far lost their lives.  102 drivers and 51 passengers have died whilst 54 motorcyclists have died including 50 males, 1 female and 3 pillion riders.  Motorcycle fatalities are the same as at this time last year.  Other fatalities include 6 bicycle riders and 32 pedestrians.

In a previous report on the motorcycle road toll upto 15 May 2009, 31 motorcyclists had lost their lives.  The figure has increased now to 50 deaths (in 49 crashes).  The Queensland road toll currently stands at 219 which is 23 more than at the same time last year.  Motorcyclists account for 23% of all deaths during 2009.

Fatal motorcycle crashes in Queensland - 2009

The following statistics continue on from previous post published on 15 May 2009:

32  Gordon Park (Brisbane North) - collided with with car at “T” junction which failed to give way

33  Redcliffe - Lost control on bend and collided with letterbox on bend - no helmet

34  Gaven (Gold Coast) - Collided headon with car which was on wrong side of road

35  Ellis Beach (Cairns) - Lost control on bend and collided with rocks on roadside

36  Kingsholme (Gold Coast) - Lost control on bend and collided with oncoming truck

37  Tingalpa (Brisbane) - Collided with turning truck during unsafe manoeuvre in peak traffic

38  Mackay - Collided with turning truck during attempted overtaking manoeuvre

39  Maryborough - Collided head on with approaching car - Unknown reason

40  Bribie Island - Collided with gutter in local street - no helmet

41  Yungaburra (Central) - Lost control of moped after hitting dog

42  Carbrook (Logan City) - Lost control on bend and collided with trees on roadside

43  Emerald Creek (Central) - Pillion ejected into path of 4X4 which was turning ahead

44  Tingalpa (Brisbane) - Collided with side of car which went through red light across path

45  Applethorpe (Warwick) - Collided with rear of friend’s bike in front

46  Woodridge (Logan) - Collided with rear of truck ahead then lost control

47  Banyo (Brisbane) - Collided with turning car which failed to give way

48  Springfield Lakes (Brisbane South) - Lost control on bend and collided with tree in medium strip

49  Upper Coomera (Gold Coast) - Lost control on bend and collided with armco railing

Merlo Coffee has joined with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service (ARCBS) to help encourage and facilitate much needed blood donations. The fourth annual Merlo Coffee Red Ride for Life event will be held on Saturday 18 July to unite motorcycle enthusiasts from across South East Queensland to help support this vital community service.

Motorcyclists will converge at the Merlo Coffee Torrefazione in Bowen Hills at 9.00am to enjoy free coffee and a sausage sizzle before travelling in convoy to the Springwood Blood Donor Centre to make blood donations which will help save lives. If you are ineligible to give blood, you are still welcome to come along and show your support! To check your eligibility, go to www.donateblood.com.au.

http://www.merlo.com.au/about/ride-for-life/

From my experience on roads, not only on the Gold Coast, but in other parts of Queensland, I have noticed a lot of road users (drivers and riders) have difficulty using roundabouts.   Simply, a roundabout is an intersection with a circle in the middle.  In reality, what a road user does at a cross intersection, they should do at a roundabout.  For example, indicate, give way, use the correct lane, etc. (more…)

One important aspect of motorcycle riding, is to ride smart and stay safe.  A key aspect of riding smart and staying safe is to be seen and for drivers to see motorcycle riders.

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From 1st July 2009, new Queensland Government laws apply for safer riding by motorcycle riders.  Three new laws relate to:

1. LAMS - Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme;
2. Pillion Passenger restrictions; and
3. Displaying P Plates.

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