Motorcycle safety levy
In May 2002, the Victorian Government announced that a Motorcycle Safety Levy would be introduced. The funds from this Levy go directly to initiatives to improve the safety of riders.
Since June 2002, more than $75 million raised from the Levy has been committed to motorcycle safety projects. These projects include on-road and non-road related projects and are split into the following priority areas:
Motorcycle Blackspot Program
One of the most important initiatives funded by the Levy has been the implementation of 173 road improvements at blackspot locations. These were carried out at locations where multiple motorcycle crashes have occurred, or on routes where motorcyclists are most at risk.
The improvements are specifically developed by engineers and expert riders to address the types of crashes riders have experienced at these locations.
The effectiveness of the program was also verified by an independent evaluation undertaken by ARRB: Evaluation of the Motorcycle Blackspot Program [PDF 1.5Mb]
These projects funded from the Levy are in addition to the annual motorcycle safety programs conducted by the TAC, VicRoads and Victoria Police.
Motorcycle safety research reports and projects
Below is a list of approved research, education, data collection and enforcement projects.
Further investigation of scooter involvement in crashes
Approved funding: 246
Start date: October/November 2012
End date: Due for completion mid 2013
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
This project will identify trends in scooter crashes, compare rates and numbers of scooter crashes, and the types of injuries sustained with the crashes of other vehicle types. The research will inform policy-making in regard to whether safety programs for scooter riders should differ from general motorcycle programs.
Investigation of licence testing & 3 wheel motorcycles
Start date: 2012
End date: In progress
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
This project will examine the suitability of 3-wheeled single-track motorcycles as vehicles for motorcycle learner permit and licence testing.
Approved funding will not be published until a contract is awarded.
Powered two wheeler case control study
Approved funding: 480
Start date: 2011
End date: In progress
Evaluations completed: None
Project description
This case control study aims to better understand the factors that contribute to motorcycle crashes. The study focuses on two main issues: motorcycle travel speed and the key factors that determine the choice of travel speed; and the role of the physical environment in crash causation. 575 crashed riders and 575 control riders will be recruited over the course of the project.
Motorcycle friendly roundabout trial extension
Approved funding: 20
Start date: 2010
End date: In progress
Evaluations completed: In progress
Project description
Trial motorcycle-friendly signage infrastructure on a major arterial road.
Promoting a safe riding culture
Approved funding: 64
Start date: 2010
End date: In progress
Evaluations completed: In progress
Project description
This project will develop articles to be made available to the editors of motorcycle club newsletters and to the general media.
Download Promoting a safe riding culture [PDF 86 Kb]
Promoting a safe riding culture. Grouped and Prioritised Actions from Stakeholder Consultation and Protective Clothing Audit
Approved funding: 64
Start date: 2011
End date: In progress
Evaluations completed: In progress
Project description
As above
Download Promoting a safe riding culture. Grouped and Prioritised Actions from Stakeholder Consultation and Protective Clothing Audit. [PDF 74 Kb]
Development of a new Learner Permit curriculum
Approved funding: 446
Start date: 2003
End date: In progress
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
This project will develop a new best-practice curriculum for learner permit test applicants.
Further trial of perceptual countermeasures - Where You Look is Where You Go (WYLIWYG)
Approved funding: 190
Start date: July 2010
End date: October 2012
Evaluations completed: Yes
Project description
This project is a further development of the perceptual countermeasures project commenced in 2008. WYLIWYG (Where You Look Is Where You Go) is an innovative approach to curve delineation developed in Buckinghamshire, UK. This project trialled WYLIWYG on a length of road which is both popular with motorcyclists and experiences significant numbers of motorcycle crashes in Victoria, Australia.
The study found that, in the short term, riders' curve negotiation behaviour changed in a positive fashion at some sites and negatively at others. The effects are small and not consistent at all treatment sites. Further work is required to identify whether the effect persists over time and which curve geometries benefit most from treatment.
Download the Further trial of perceptual countermeasures - Where You Look is Where You Go (WYLIWYG) [PDF 3.3 Mb].
Investigation of the potential to enhance emergency response to motorcyclists involved in crashes
Approved funding: 128
Start date: July 2011
End date: June 2012
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
This project is investigating the level of preventable injury associated with improvement in early response of motorcycle crashes and ways in which emergency response could be enhanced.
Download the Investigation of the potential to enhance emergency response to motorcyclists involved in crashes [PDF 1.7 Mb]
Evaluation of community policing and education program
Approved funding: 275
Start date: August 2009
End date: April 2012
Evaluations completed: Yes
Project description
This research evaluated the community policing and education project, including a process evaluation, analysis of crash data, on-road speed surveys, an online survey of motorcyclists and roadside traffic observations.
Download the Evaluation of community policing and education program [PDF 2.0 Mb]
Identifying Programs to Reduce Road Trauma to motorcyclists
Approved funding: 275
End date: February 2008
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
As above
Download Identifying Programs to Reduce Road Trauma to motorcyclists [PDF 1.0 Mb].
Community policing and education program (As above)
Approved funding: 1872
Start date: October 2008
End date: January 2012
Evaluations completed: Yes
Project description
A two-year trial of a multi-action approach combining education and enforcement targeting both riders and drivers to improve the safety of all motorcyclists, this project provided additional police involvement in motorcycle safety over and above usual enforcement levels. Five major state-wide and 50 regional operations were conducted each year.
As well as using awareness raising methods such as media articles, displays and presentations, information highlighting risks and advice was provided to both riders and drivers intercepted by police during operations. This included educating drivers to be aware of their driving behaviours that put motorcyclists at risk. While education was the main focus of this program, penalties were administered when required, with deterrence of riders and drivers who exhibited high risk behaviours jeopardising motorcycle safety a key objective.
The "Rider Survivor" training component of this program enabled police officers to identify intercepted motorcyclists who were receptive to, and would benefit from, attending training. Where the officer assessed that there would be a benefit, he or she offered the motorcyclist a voucher entitling the recipient to participate in a subsidised Rider Survivor course.
Measures to accelerate and assess the development of hazard perception and responding skill in novice motorcyclists
Approved funding: 500
Start date: 2009
End date: February 2011
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
The overall aim of this multi stage project was to identify the fundamental skills necessary to hazard perception and responding by motorcycle riders. Monash University accident Research Centre was commissioned by VicRoads to conduct a multi stage program of research to investigate hazard perception training for motorcyclists.
Download the Measures to accelerate and assess the development of hazard perception report [PDF 630 Kb]
Motorcycle safety levy communication 2010/11
Approved funding: 55
Start date: 2010/11
End date: 2011
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
Revise & print registration renewal brochures, update website content, distribution of Good Gear Guide, Ride On DVD, updates to Victorian Rider handbook.
Identify training needs and develop and pilot a training program for returning motorcycle riders - Stage 1
Approved funding: 200
Start date: 2009
End date: September 2010
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
This project used an on-road assessment conducted by motorcycle instructors, to assess and compare the skills and behaviours of newly licensed, recently returned and ongoing riders. The study found significant differences between the newly licensed and the other two groups but no relevant differences between returning and ongoing riders. On the basis of the preliminary report, which suggested that a specific course for returning riders was unwarranted, the project is being re-scoped to consider the needs of older riders.
Download Identifying training needs and develop and pilot a training program for returning motorcycle riders Stage 1 [PDF 2.8 Mb]
Research into road space management for motorcyclists
Approved funding: 55
Start date: 2009
End date: August 2010
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
Investigation of ways to more effectively use road space for motorcyclists providing greater mobility and improved safety, researching the road safety and transport impacts of road space management opportunities such as lane filtering, advanced stop lines and use of bus and transit lanes to identify possible initiatives for trialling. This included monitoring developments internationally.
Download Research into road space management for motorcyclists [PDF 1.7 Mb]
Evaluation of the VicRoads "Making Roads Motorcycle Friendly" seminars
Approved funding: 82
Start date: April 2008
End date: June 2010
Evaluations completed: Yes
Project description
The delivery of a series of State wide workshops targeting road designers builders and maintenance contractors.
Download the ‘Making Roads Motorcycle Friendly’ seminars report [PDF 661 Kb]
Investigation of the feasibility of increasing the use of fully controlled right turn phase
Approved funding: 85
Start date: 2008
End date: June 2010
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
This project examined the feasibility of using fully controlled right turn signals to improve motorcyclists' safety at intersections. Stage 1 produced a report detailing the findings from a literature review, analysis of crash data, traffic volume data and traffic signal capacity and delays. The stage 2 report detailed site inspections and consideration of site factors at locations identified in stage 1 and the outcomes of discussions with VicRoads' regions and Local Government.
Download the Investigation of the feasibility of increasing the use of fully controlled right turn phase [PDF 1.7 Mb].
Research into the benefit-cost of providing off-road motorcycle facilities in Victoria
Approved funding: 208
Start date: November 2008
End date: May 2010
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
This report was commissioned to provide a greater understanding of the potential economic, social and environmental benefits and costs associated with the provision of off-road motorcycle fatalities in Victoria and to assess the potential of managed off-road facilities to improve riders' safety by attracting high risk riders (both on and off-road) to a safer environment.
Download the Research into the benefit-cost of providing off-road motorcycle facilities in Victoria [PDF 2.0 Mb].
Development of a new motorcycle graduated licensing system
Approved funding: 770
Start date: 2003
End date: April 2010
Evaluations completed: n/a
Project description
VicRoads is reviewing the current system for licensing motorcyclists. The high crash risk of inexperienced riders has highlighted the need to update licensing for motorcyclists to reflect the road safety needs to today's riders.
A discussion paper titled 'Graduated licensing for motorcyclists' was released for public comment. The discussion paper contains a number of questions relating to options that the Victorian Government may consider to improve the safety of novice motorcyclists.
Download the Development of a new motorcycle graduated licensing system [PDF 1.9 Mb].
Graduated licensing for motorcyclists
Approved funding: 770
End date: April 2010
Evaluations completed:
Project description
As above
Download Graduated licensing for motorcyclists [PDF 3.5 Mb].
Research into rider/driver attitudes
Approved funding: 127
Start date: July 2009
End date: March 2010
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
This research investigated the attitudes of motorcyclists and drivers towards each other, and whether these attitudes demonstrate a sufficient understanding of the crash risk and vulnerability of motorcyclists. The study found that there was little or no relationship between rider attitudes and crashes or near misses; and driver attitudes and crashes or near misses.
Download Research into rider/driver attitudes [PDF 1.1 Mb].
Motorcycle safety levy communication 2009/10
Approved funding: 39
Start date: 2009/10
End date: 2010
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
Revise & print Motorcycle Safety Levy brochures for inclusion with registration renewals, update website content. Great Ocean Ride, Good Gear Guide and Ride On distributed at regional motorcycling forums.
Communications strategy for road engineers to consider motorcycling needs
Approved funding: 65
Start date: February 2009
End date: December 2009
Evaluations completed: Yes
Project description
This project aimed to better communicate the needs of motorcyclists to those responsible for building, designing and maintaining roads. Market research with the target audience identified key messages of importance, the best ways to get the messages across and any barriers to incorporating a more motorcycle friendly approach. The study informed the development of "Making Roads Motorcycle Friendly".
Investigation of technologies at intersections
Approved funding: 120
Start date: December 2008
End date: December 2009
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
A report on an investigation into crashes at intersections involving motorcycles and motor scooters. The report uses road crash data and police crash data reports to identify crashes involving motorcyclists at intersections between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2007. The report investigates potential infrastructure and technology solutions to improve safety for motorcyclists at intersections with consideration to the crash patterns identified in the crash data and police reports.
Download Investigation of technologies at intersections [PDF 5.3 Mb]
Communications strategy for promoting protective clothing
Approved funding: 170
Start date: 2008
End date: June 2009
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
This project, which included a review of literature and focus group-based market research, examined options for communicating the benefits of protective clothing to riders. A report was prepared recommending strategy options scaled according to different campaign costs. Each option was costed, delivery mechanisms, key messages to be communicated, audiences to be targeted, and the expected outcomes. Recommended options were then proposed for implementation.
Motorcycle protective clothing communications audit
Approved funding:
End date: June 2009
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
As above
Download the Motorcycle protective clothing communications audit [PDF 2.0 Mb].
Promoting a safe riding culture
Approved funding: 170
End date: 2010
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
As above
Download Promoting a safe riding culture [PDF 86 Kb]
Promoting a safe riding culture - grouped and prioritised actions from stakeholder consultation and protective clothing audit
Approved funding: 170
End date: October 2011
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
As above
Download Promoting a safe riding culture - grouped and prioritised actions from stakeholder consultation and protective clothing audit [PDF 437 Kb]
Motorcycle exposure study
Approved funding: 221
Start date: June 2007
End date: March 2009
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
Exposure to risk is a key concept in road safety. It refers to how likely some road users are to get injured relative to how much time they spend on the road. This can be very important in setting priorities or identifying emerging issues.
The motorcycle exposure study provided information on some of the more commonly travelled roads in Victoria, the proportion of motorcycles versus all vehicles on many roads throughout Victoria, and some of the jey characteristics of different rider groups (e.g. sport, tourer, cruiser, traditional, scooter). Issues such as trip purpose, time of day, rider experience and licence status have all been included in the research. This research will help to better target specific motorcycle safety initiatives in the areas that are likely to have maximum benefit.
Download the Motorcycle exposure study [PDF 1.2 Mb].
Motorcycle Follow up Survey Report 2009 Urban Transport Institute
Approved funding: 221
End date: March 2009
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
The level and type of use of motorcycles is relatively poorly understood, partially because motorcycle licences are often held for many years (sometimes decades) after the person has ceased to ride motorcycles, and because they are often used for a single purpose (e.g.commuting or touring).
A better understanding of the actual use of motorcycles will help target resources to improve the safety and amenity of motorcyclists, and other road users. This follow-up survey to the VISTA07, focused solely on people with motorcycle licences (as identified by the VISTA07 survey), and asks for more detailed information on their motorcycle use (or lack thereof) over a ten-day period.
Download the Motorcycle Follow up Survey Report 2009 Urban Transport Institute [PDF 1.8 Mb]
Descriptive Analysis of Victorian Motorcycle Count Data Final
Approved funding: 221
End date: March 2009
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
While the VicRoads registration database includes information on the make and model of registered vehicles, it does not distinguish between different styles of motorcycles, such as scooters, cruisers and touring motorcycles. The purpose of this report is to estimate the cost of developing a system for sorting motorcycles in the VicRoads registration database by style. The analysis will help to inform the most appropriate method of identifying crashes involving scooters and mopeds in Victoria’s road crash records.
Download the Descriptive Analysis of Victorian Motorcycle Count Data Final [PDF 1.1 Mb].
Moped and Scooter Identification System Feasibility Study
Approved funding: 88
End date: March 2009
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
The objective of this project was to provide a descriptive analysis of motorcycle exposure data using the dataset provided by VicRoads. It attempted to answer the questions, “Where are motorcyclists predominantly riding in Victoria?” and “What are the typical characteristics of this riding?” using the available data. A comparison with all road user group characteristics has also been made.
Download the Moped and Scooter Identification System Feasibility Study [PDF 275 Kb].
Public education campaign
Approved funding: 950
Start date: October 2008
End date: January 2009
Evaluations completed: Yes
Project description
This project funded the purchase of broadcast rights and the conversion of the British "Look, Look and Look Again" television advertisement for use in a Victorian driver awareness campaign.
Motorcycle safety levy communication 2008/09
Approved funding: 85
Start date: 2008
End date: 2009
Evaluations completed: Yes
Project description
Revise & print Motorcycle Safety Levy brochures for inclusion with registration renewals, duplication and distribution of the Great Ocean Ride DVD, duplication and distribution of the Ride On DVD, analysis of the Great Ocean Ride DVD feedback questionnaires, purchase and distribution of the Good Gear Guide, design of the VMAC stand for the Melbourne Motorcycle Expo.
Development of a rider program incorporating assisted rides
Approved funding: 180
Start date: 2007
End date: 2009
Evaluations completed: Yes
Project description
On-road instructed riding has been recommended as a best practice training procedure. This has been used in the BikeSafe program in the UK. There are also smaller programs conducted in Victoria. This project investigated how these programs should be undertaken and determined the most appropriate course content for a major program to be conducted in Victoria.
Download Development of a rider program incorporating assisted rides [PDF 383 Kb]
Evaluation of a rider program incorporating assisted rides
Approved funding: 2,350
Start date: 2007
End date: 2015
Evaluations completed: Yes
Project description
In order to assist newly licensed riders to become safer riders, VicRoads funded the development and evaluation of a motorcycle coaching program for newly licensed riders. 2399 riders were recruited into the trial to determine its effectiveness in reducing crash rates for novice motorcycles riders. The evaluation also considered the program effects on rider behaviours, attitudes, and motivations.
Download Development of a rider program incorporating assisted rides [PDF 1.1Mb]
Yarra Ranges Instructed Motorcycle Rides Program
Approved funding: 180
Start date: September 2008
Evaluations completed: Yes
Project description
As above
Download the Yarra Ranges Instructed Motorcycle Rides Program [PDF 744 Kb].
Motorcycle barrier protection trials management
Approved funding: 59
Start date: 2007
End date: 2009
Evaluations completed: In progress
Project description
Safety barriers perform a vital road safety function and save many lives. However, they are not as forgiving for riders as they are for car drivers. Several types of devices that make barriers more forgiving for motorcyclists have been identified through VicRoads funded research. Three different types of products have been identified for an on-road trial. Protective attachments to barriers have been installed at high risk motorcycle locations. The sites are monitored to evaluate their practical effectiveness.
Assisted rides insurance
Approved funding: 189
Start date: 2007
End date: 2009
Evaluations completed: n/a
Project description
Legal and liability issues associated with this project required additional insurance coverage before any on-road riding could be conducted.
Research on perceptual countermeasures
Approved funding: 170
Start date: 2006
End date: November 2008
Evaluations completed: Yes
Project description
Perceptual countermeasures are modifications to the road environment designed to change the way the road user will see and respond to the road ahead. These are usually low cost treatments such as line markings that change the perception of how fast a driver/rider is travelling. This project investigated and trialled on-road treatments to assess the effects on the safety of motorcyclists.
Download the Research on perceptual countermeasures [PDF 1.7 Mb].
Research into the role of speed and speeding in motorcycle crashes
Approved funding: 350
Start date: 2007
End date: October 2008
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
This project examined the separate effects of inappropriate and excessive motorcycle speed and changes in traffic speed on the frequency and severity of motorcycle crashes. Part 1 involved a review of motorcycle crash studies in Australia and overseas as well as detailed Victoria Police crash investigation reports and coroners' report into deaths involving motorcycle riders.
Part 2 investigated the influence of shifts in traffic speed across the road network on motorcyclist trauma based on the collection and analysis of information on travel data and speeds over a period of time across a range of speed zones and road types. Motorcycle crash patterns were the assessed against changes in measures of traffic speed.
Download the Research into the role of speed and speeding in motorcycle crashes [PDF 1.4 Mb].
Feasibility of assessing the influence of shifts in traffic speed on motorcycle trauma
Approved funding: 350
End date: 2008
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
As above
Download the Feasibility of assessing the influence of shifts in traffic speed on motorcycle trauma [PDF 411 Kb].
Evaluation of Motorcycle Safety Levy Motorcycle Blackspot Program 2008
Approved funding: 200
Start date: January 2008
End date: October 2008
Evaluations completed: Yes
Project description
This project evaluated the Motorcycle Blackspot Program which involved the treatment of sites that had a crash history indicating they were exspeically dangerous for motorcyclists. Data from 87 sites were used in the present evaluation, which measured the effectiveness of the program based on the extent to which treatments reduced the number of casualty crashes involving a motorcycle and the number of serious casualty crashes involving a motorcycle.
Download the Evaluation of Motorcycle Safety Levy Motorcycle Blackspot Program 2008 [PDF 731Kb]
Evaluation of Motorcycle Safety Levy Motorcycle Blackspot Program 2015
Approved funding : 70
Start date: January 2015
End date: June 2015
Evaluations completed : Yes
Project Description :
This project evaluated the Motorcycle Blackspot Program which involved the treatment of locations or road lengths with a significant motorcycle crash history. The evaluation revisited evaluation work undertaken in 2008 and examined all projects completed since the program commenced in 2002. The evaluation measured both the economic effectiveness of the program and the reduction in the number of motorcycle casualty crashes for the various treatment categories.
Download the Evaluation of Motorcycle Safety Levy Motorcycle Blackspot Program [PDF 738 Kb].
Motorcycle Centre of Excellence - Stage 1 options report
Approved funding: 35
Start date: August 2007
End date: August 2008
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
Stage 1. This project involved a pre-feasibility study to investigate options for setting up a centre of excellence for motorcycle safety and transport. Its purpose was to assist the Victorian Government to identify options for a centre of excellence and determine which option(s) should be investigated in a feasibility study. On completion of the project, the Minister for Roads and Ports decided not to continue with the feasibility study (Stage 2).
Enhanced crash investigation
Approved funding: 200
Start date: March 2007
End date: June 2008
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
This project involved an investigation of approximately 30 motorcycle casualty crashes to provide in-depth information on vehicle, environment and road user factors contributing to serious injuries from run-off-road and side impact crashes.
Download the Enhanced crash investigation [PDF 743 Kb].
Investigation into scooter involvement in crashes
Approved funding: 88
Start date: July 2007
End date: June 2008
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
This study examined scooter involvement in crashes. Drawing on crash and registration data, it found that the rate of increase in crashes for scooters is greater than for motorcycles in general, and that scooter rider crashes have some distinctly different characteristics. The small sample size available at the time indicated that further work was required.
Download the Investigation into scooter involvement in crashes [PDF 1.0 Mb].
Motorcycle safety levy communication
Approved funding: 64
Start date: 2007
End date: 2008
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
This project provided information to riders about how the Levy is spent. It includes development of website content, mailed out brochures, correspondence with motorcyclists and displays at motorcycle events.
Motorcycle friendly roundabout trial
Approved funding: 32
Start date: 2006
End date: 2008
Evaluations completed: In progress
Project description
Trial motorcycle-friendly signage infrastructure on three major highway roundabouts.
Develop, trial and evaluate an on-road assisted ride program
Approved funding: 2350
Start date: 2007
End date: In progress
Evaluations completed: In progress
Project description
The aim of this project is to develop a program curriculum, trial and evaluate an on-road program for newly licensed riders that results in safer on-road riding by participants, reduced engagement in risk taking behaviours, and reduced crash involvement for participants. The program involves a significant on-road component where riders are given individual feedback on their riding by coaches. The coaches provide formal/informal mentoring and feedback to riders about how they could modify/improve their riding skills to enhance their safety.
Associative learning methods - stage 2
Approved funding: 80
Start date: April 2007
End date: December 2007
Evaluations completed: Yes
Project description
Stage 2: In 2007, a further study extended the previous work by investigating whether the learning effect could be transferred from a static environment (photos) to a more dynamic and realistic environment (videos). The findings replicated previous findings in that the associative learning intervention increased the likelihood of drivers' responding that they would wait for approaching motorcycles at intersections, however, this effect was only present when the participants were presented with photographs. When the intervention used videos there was no evidence of increase wait responses to motorcycles.
Overall, the results found that avoidance learning does not appear to occur in dynamic contexts where the task is more representative of real-world driving. Furthermore, the study was unable to demonstrate any transfer of avoidance learning from the static learning contexts to dynamic contexts. The research proposed alternative methodologies that may be more successful in training drivers to give way to motorcycles at intersections and the associative learning approach has not been pursued further.
The stage 2 report, Evaluation of associative learning methods to train drivers to give way to motorcyclists is available on the Monash University website [PDF 638 Kb]
Download the Associative learning methods - stage 2 [PDF 926 Kb].
Motorcycle safety levy communication
Approved funding: 50
Start date: 28 June
End date: 2007
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
Revise & print Motorcycle Safety Levy brochures for inclusion with motorcycle registration renewals, update website content.
Protective clothing research, cost/benefit star system
Approved funding: 129
Start date: February 2007
End date: May 2007
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
Protective clothing has the potential to prevent many minor injuries and significantly reduce the severity of injury in more serious crashes. However, little advice is available to riders as to which gear offers the best protection for their purchasing dollar. A review of literature resulted in the development of two options for a motorcycle protective clothing 'star rating' system. Market testing has shown that 96% of riders would either 'definitely' or 'possibly' make use of a 'star rating' system for motorcycle protective clothing.
Download the Protective clothing research, cost/benefit star system [PDF 316 Kb].
Motorcycle Protective Clothing Stage 3. Feasibility of a 'star rating' system
Approved funding: 129
Start date: February 2007
End date: May 2007
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
This project investigated the feasibility and features of a system in Australia whereby consumers have access to information about some of the key safety characteristics of protective clothing, which they may then use in making purchasing decisions. Previous promotional campaigns have highlighted to riders the benefits of wearing full protective clothing. However, little had been done to investigate the attitudes of riders in their choice or non-choice of what protective clothing to purchase.
Download the Motorcycle Protective Clothing Stage 3. Feasibility of a 'star rating' system [PDF 106 Kb].
LAMS implementation
Approved funding: 1032
Start date: 2007
End date: 2007
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
This project is to make all of the necessary changes to systems and processes to support the introduction of LAMS (Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme) in Victoria.
Motorcycle Protective Clothing Stage 1. Review of literature and development of a safety 'star rating' system
Approved funding: 500
Start date: 2007
End date: 2007
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
VicRoads funded a project to investigate the possibility of a system in Australia whereby consumers have access to information about some of the key safety characteristics of protective clothing, which they may then use in making purchasing decisions. This project addressed the first component, the literature review and development of a model for a safety ‘star rating’ system for protective clothing.
Later stages include a market research study and a research study into the feasibility of implementing a ‘star rating’ system for protective clothing.
Download Motorcycle Protective Clothing Stage 1. Review of literature and development of a safety 'star rating' system [PDF 365 Kb].
Redevelopment of the motorcycle knowledge test
Approved funding: 410
Start date: 2004
End date: 2007
Evaluations completed: Yes
Project description
The Motorcycle Knowledge Test has been redeveloped to reflect the updated content of the new Victorian Rider Handbook. The project developed new test items and conducted independent trialling and validation to ensure that the test is fair and assesses all the important information for riding safely.
Great Ocean Road
Approved funding: 130
End date: 2006
Evaluations completed: Survey September 2008
Project description
The Great Ocean Road is one of the highest risk roads for motorcyclists in Australia. To increase riders' awareness of the risks of the road, a video was developed and distributed on DVD and via YouTube. The video follows the journey of two riders, highlighting many of the issues riders need to be aware of on the Great Ocean Road.
View the Great Ocean Road DVD Part 1 (External link) and Great Ocean Road DVD Part 2 (External link).
Evaluation of prior Blackspot programs for effects on motorcycle safety
Approved funding: 100
Start date: April 2006
End date: October 2006
Evaluations completed: Yes
Project description
The two programs - the $85M TAC funded Blackspot program (559 sites over the period 1992-1996) and the Accident Blackspot component of the $250M TAC funded State wide Blackspot program (841 sites from 2000 - 2004) were evaluated to determine the effect of different types of treatments on the frequency of casualty motorcycle crashes at treated sites. For the $240M Blackspot program, intersection treatments resulted in a 38% reduction in casualty motorcycle crashes, while the estimated reduction for off-path treatments was 30%. For the $85M Blackspot program, route treatments were estimated to reduce casualty motorcycle crashes at treated sites by 35%, compared with 27% for intersection treatments.
Download the Evaluation of prior Blackspot programs for effects on motorcycle safety [PDF 413 Kb].
Extent of injury among off-road riders
Approved funding: 58
Start date: 2006
End date: July 2006
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
Very little information is available on the extent and location of off-road riding. Off-road riders are thought to be involved in serious crashes in transit between their home and the off-road location, on local roads outside built-up areas, forest roads and on trails within parks. This research project aimed to assess the extent of injury crashes among off-road riders to help determine ways of improving off-road rider safety.
Download the Extent of injury among off-road riders report [PDF 358 Kb].
Review of engineering maintenance practices
Approved funding: 85
Start date: December 2005
End date: April 2006
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
VicRoads provides guidelines for regional engineers in relation to road maintenance. This project examined ways of improving road maintenance practices for the safety of motorcyclists and informed the development of Making Roads Motorcycle Friendly 2.
Download the Review of engineering maintenance practices [PDF 163 Kb].
Extension of the vehicle activated sign trial for motorcyclists
Approved funding: 596
Start date: 2006
End date: 2011
Evaluations completed: Yes
Project description
Vehicle activated signs (VAS) are a road side device typically comprising of a radar device and a sign with a flashing message. The signs illuminates when a vehicle approaches a hazardous locations at a speed that is considered to be unsafe. Post-installation analysis indicate that the VAS reduced vehicle speeds at all sites and motorcycle crashes at most sites.
Associative leaning methods stage 1 - please see the Stage 2 report at the top of this page for information
Approved funding: 39
Start date: September 2004
End date: February 2005
Evaluations completed: Yes
Project description
Preliminary work in 2001 and 2002, VicRoads commissioned research to investigate issues associated with crashes at intersections between cars and motorcycles and to recommend potential research directions that might help in their development of countermeasures. The initial report was a theoretical review of the psychological processes that might contribute to drivers failing to avoid this type of crash and concluded that models of associative learning might be useful in addressing this crash problem. The second project in 2002 involved a small scale preliminary trial that was found to support this conclusion.
Stage 1: In 2005, a larger pilot investigation was undertaken (Stage 1). The 2005 trial used a PC based decision making task with a small sample comprising inexperienced drivers, novice and experienced drivers and confirmed the results of the preliminary trial. Study findings showed that using an avoidance paradigm to associate turning in front of motorcycles with negative consequences was effective in changing the behaviour of car drivers towards motorcyclists during the computer task.
Project support
Approved funding: 400
Start date: 2002
End date: 2005
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
Costs for development of projects and program management. These costs are distributed to projects once approved by the Minister.
Redevelopment of the Victorian Rider handbook
Approved funding: 400
Start date: 2004
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
The redeveloped Victorian Rider Handbook was released to the public in October 2004. All riders must study the Victorian Rider Handbook to pass the learner permit test. The main benefits of the redeveloped handbook include improved content and coverage of issues, inclusion of up to date information, better prepared applicants with more understanding of motorcycle road craft and rider safety issues. The Handbook is periodically updated to reflect Road Rule and other changes.
Development of engineering initiatives (2002-2003)
Approved funding: 69
Start date: 2002
End date: 2003
Evaluations completed: No
LAMS Evaluation
Approved funding: 200
Start date: Second half of project not started
End date: Not started
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
Evaluation of the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS).
Enhanced motorcycle safety levy communications
Approved funding: 163
Start date: On hold
Evaluations completed: No
Project description
This project sought to develop communications strategy advising riders of the safety benefits arising from the Motorcycle Safety Levy. The project is closed pending the outcome of the Parliamentary Road Safety Committee Inquiry into Motorcycle Safety.
Research into the benefits of specific Blackspot treatment types for motorcyclists
Approved funding: 75
End date: Closed before completed due to insufficient data for robust evaluation
Project description
The purpose of this project was to better understand the effectiveness of specific road improvement treatments for motorcycle safety. Some time will be required to build a sufficiently large data set for analysis. The introduction of incident detection software and equipment, capable of recording vehicle conflicts and crashes, may allow the dataset to be developed more quickly. The project has been closed until sufficient data is available to permit a robust evaluation.
Motorcycle Centre of Excellence - Stage 2 feasibility study
Approved funding: 50
Start date: Project discontinued
Project description
Stage 2. These funds had been allocated to the feasibility study to streamline completion of the project. As the project did not continue past Stage 1, these funds were instead used to conduct similar small scale actions relating to increasing knowledge and understanding of motorcycle safety and transport issues including some actions included in Victorian's Road Safety and Transport Strategic Action Plan for Powered Two Wheelers 2009-2013.