Lane Filtering to be considered in Queensland

[Biggles]

The MRAQ has been in consultation with the relevant Minister regarding some matters dear to the hearts of motorcyclists.

Qld Transport to look into Lane filtering, rider controls, helmet standards
The MRAQ has been working diligently for the motorcycle community and corresponding with Transport and main roads Minister Hon Scott Emerson on road rules anomalies, lane filtering , and helmet standards. Well they have listened, QTMR are releasing a discussion paper tomorrow which will be placed here it is asking for all riders to be part of the process.

Media Release:

Transport Minister Scott Emerson
Have your say on motorcycle issues Lane filtering, road rules and helmet standards http://www.mraqld.org/uploads/Letters%20to%20Ministers%20and%20Responses/20140522%20motorcycle%20discussion%20paper.pdf

Motorcycle Discussion Paper

Motorcycle discussion paper community feedback

This discussion paper considers three initiatives:
1. Lane filtering
2. Motorcycle control
3. Motorcycle helmets

https://www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/gi/consultation/2067/survey/1958/view.html

Could be sense will prevail.  We live in hope!!     

Be sure to have your say!!

[Diesel]

I have just read a brief (below) on the same subject.

This is a great opportunity for mature and safe riders, such as OzSTOC Members to broaden the community's understanding of motorcycle operation in metropolitan areas, and have a say in writing legislation that may be seen as very beneficial to us.

The Govvy seem to have agreed that 'stretching one's legs' and using one's leg to help control a manouvreing motorcycle is a necessity, and the laws surround this are 'arcane'.

Stand up and be counted for this one ladies and gents.     

Here is another angle on the same subject....


http://motorbikewriter.com/lane-filtering-queensland/

[Biggles]

Might I add that you do not have to get a username or password or give an email address to participate in the submissions.  Therefore you don't even have to be in Queensland.  I'm sure they will log IPs to prevent double-dipping, but apart from that, you're anonymous.
Therefore, by offering your support, it might lead to a wider acceptance of the lane filtering, even to the extent it becomes Australia-wide.

I know not everyone thinks it's a good idea.  In that case, just ignore the first part and have your say on helmets and riding position (i.e. hands and feet on the controls at all times).

You don't need to speak out against lane filtering.  I'm sure there will be plenty of car drivers doing that for you- the ones who can't stand seeing someone else moving through the gridlock when they too, could buy a bike and escape the cage.

[Shiney]

I've had a say
I hope it'll help make some good changes

[alans1100]

For what it's worth even I undertook the survey.

[Old Steve]

Did the survey, and gave particular attention to the NSW finding that for every motorbike which lane filters, a car moves up in the traffic queue which improves traffic flow.

[Sean]

Unfortunately when government considers these things, they are reminded of the fools that lane split doing 60km/h and more down the freeway.

[Nigel]

Yep, sure as apples are apples its become political. News reports today down in Vic say Labour promised to allow filtering if elected. Is it possible to get something done thats right but not involve politics???????????????????? Oops asked and answered.    

[Biggles]

Yep, sure as apples are apples its become political. News reports today down in Vic say Labour promised to allow filtering if elected.

Wow!! Tough call.   
How to get filtering with out the other baggage.   

[tremarg]

This is worth reading, note the first photo, seems they have wide lanes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lane_splitting

After 45 years of riding, I did not know it was illegal to scratch my nose while stationary at traffic lights.

Best proposal is the helmet standards, a better range especially for odd heads will be helpfully

[Marcus]

The News said last night that they were never going to do it in Vic

[Biggles]

The News said last night that they were never going to do it in Vic

That's sad.  And yet Melbourne is the enlightened city that permits footpath parking of motorcycles!

[Marcus]

That's sad.  And yet Melbourne is the enlightened city that permits footpath parking of motorcycles!

http://tenplay.com.au/news/melbourne/2014/5/26/changing-gears

[Biggles]

It was a gift to the naysayers to show the bike emerging from a lane filter to be hit by a turning car.
One would hope a rider would have the sense to stop at the line with everyone else.
The bike cam suggests the bike is going pretty quickly through the traffic- another strike against the proposal.
The interviews of drivers was going to get only one response.  Why would they want others to not have to suffer in traffic like they do?

[Diesel]

Another news report on Qld's speculative legislation change....


http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-motorcycle-rules-could-change-20140522-zrkpv.html

[tj189]

Scott Emerson's latest reply as of 12 Jul 14


Thousands respond to motorcycle discussion paper

    Created: 12 July 2014

Thousands of motorists have had their say about proposed changes to Queensland road rules for motorcycle riders.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said more than 9000 responses were received on the motorcycle discussion paper which went live on May 22.

“There has been an overwhelming response to the proposed changes that aims to ease congestion on our roads and make it easier for motorcyclists to ride,” Mr Emerson said.

“Overall the responses contained very positive and helpful feedback, with most motorists in support of the proposed changes.

“The main topics for the discussion paper included lane filtering, helmet standards and how a rider should control their motorcycle.”

Results from the survey that closed on July 3 indicated:

    90 per cent of people were in favour of lane filtering
    75 per cent of people in favour of removing restrictions on where a ride must put their hands and feet
    more than 70 per cent of people in favour of expanding helmet standards.

Mr Emerson said the huge response rate is indicative of the growing popularity of recreational motorcyclists with latest statistics showing 186,193 motorbikes were registered at 31 May this year compared with 178,789 motorbikes as at 31 May 2013.

Responses will now undergo an evaluation period to help with decision making on the road rules.

Transport and Main Roads will also consult with the New South Wales Roads and Maritime Services on the results of their trial conducted on lane filtering which led to amended legislation.

[Lionel]

Unfortunately when government considers these things, they are reminded of the fools that lane split doing 60km/h and more down the freeway.

I think this is mainly a problem in Queensland where a lot of drivers in the overtaking lane are content to drive beside cars in the left-hand lane, sometimes for kms, without any intention of actually overtaking.

[Biggles]

I think this is mainly a problem in Queensland where a lot of drivers in the overtaking lane are content to drive beside cars in the left-hand lane, sometimes for kms, without any intention of actually overtaking.

It's endemic- most often performed to perfection by UAVs (Urban Assault Vehicles) commonly with a blond occupying the RH seat.  You'll notice I didn't say "driving", because they're actually a passenger making no decisions about the vehicle's progress.