Motorcycle Safety Levy
The Motorcycle Safety Levy (MSL) is collected as part of the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) premium in registrations for motorcycles with an engine capacity of 126cc or above. In 2019 the levy was $73.70 per registration. This levy contributes to projects that improve the safety of motorcycle riders and contribute towards our vision zero goal.
Since its introduction in 2002, over $90 million has been collected and invested in a range of targeted safety initiatives across the following investment areas:
- Infrastructure
- Technology and Intelligent Transport Solutions (ITS)
- Education and Research
- Motorcycle Policy and Law
Infrastructure improvements represent the largest area of investment from the Levy and can include measures such as improved curve alignment signage and delineation, rub-rail protection at the base of barriers, bell mouth sealing, post cushions and surface improvements. Other investment area examples include: motorcycle lane filtering legislation (Motorcycle Policy and Law), motorcycle graduated licensing scheme implementation (Education and Research) and motorcycle anti-lock braking technology promotion (Technology and ITS). A breakdown of the Levy investment for completed projects is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Breakdown of Levy investment (2002-2018)
Gippsland Trail Bike Safety Pilot Project - information update
In August 2019, the Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC, Jaala Pulford, announced the Gippsland Trail Bike Safety Pilot Project at an event held at Noojee. The pilot project is a first for the State and will cover a 40-kilometre trail for the next six years. It includes designing and maintaining a new dedicated single-track network for trail riders that still provides the technical and challenging environment that recreational riders seek while maintaining safety. Further details can be found in the community information update [PDF 636 Kb].
Detailed analysis of the MSL 2017 survey results now available
We ran an online survey in November-December 2017 to gain insights into motorcycle riders, how they use the road and the issues that matter to them.
We received over 7,500 responses from riders on the survey, which consisted of 32 questions related to riding experience, preferences, routes and habits, type of motorcycle and road attributes for infrastructure and safety.
The Social Research Centre completed a detailed analysis of the survey results in August 2019 that identified key themes and provided a detailed picture of the demographic characteristics of the respondents.
The survey sample comprised a highly experienced group of motorcycle users - 62% of respondents had been riding for more than 10 years at the time of the survey, and 67% reported riding at least once a week. Almost all respondents (99%) reported riding for recreation, while 79% rode to commute to and from work (45% rode to commute at least once a week).
Through statistical analysis, five distinct motorcycle user segments (Figure 2) have been identified: City Commuters, Outback Veterans, Cautious Cruisers, Suburban Hobyists and Carefree Casuals.
Figure 2: Motorcycle user segmentation from survey analysis
The survey report focuses on these five segments and their riding behaviours and attitudes, safety concerns and needs. These insights will help to inform investment decisions and planning for motorcycle safety infrastructure, policy, technology and education. Download the report [PDF 1.8 Mb].
Recent and current projects
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Below is a list of recent projects funded by the levy, covering areas of infrastructure, education, research and analysis.
Maroondah Highway (Black Spur) proactive motorcycle safety improvements (approx. 22km) between Healesville and Narbethong
Cost: $2,286,000
Start date: 2019
End date: 2021
Multiple treatments including:
- Consistent curve warning signage
- Protection of guard fence with PolyBuffer, rub-rail and rubber cap treatments
- Treatment of localised distressed pavements
- Fixing guideposts and line marking
- Seal-bell mouths
Myers Creek Road proactive motorcycle safety improvements (approx. 14km) between Healesville and Toolangi
Cost: $1,285,000
Start date: 2019
End date: 2020
Multiple treatments including:
- Consistent curve warning signage
- Protection of guard fence with PolyBuffer, rub-rail and rubber cap treatments
- Treatment of localised distressed pavements
- Fixing guideposts and line marking
- Seal three bell-mouths
Gippsland East Trail Bike Safety Pilot Project
Cost: $ 2,800,000
Start date: 2019
End date: 2025
Development of a technical off-road trail bike network, delivering reduced speeds to reduce trauma, enhanced wayfinding, yearly maintenance throughout the pilot project, and improved emergency access arrangements. Trails will meet the needs of recreational trail bike riders through technical difficulty rather than high speed.
Read the Community information update [PDF 636 Kb]
Extension of the Hoddle Street motorcycles in bus lanes trial
Cost: $601,000
Start date: 2019
End date: 2024
Trial includes:
- Eastern Freeway (westbound from west of Chandler Highway on-ramp to Hoddle Street)
- Victoria Parade (eastbound from Brunswick Street to Hoddle Street) and,
- Victoria Parade (westbound from Hoddle Street to west of Nicholson Street).
Enhanced training of Surveillance Officers to improve identification of road hazards affecting motorcycle riders
Cost: $ 23,500
Start date: 2019
End date: 2019
VicRoads’ training partner delivered targeted training designed to equip officers with an improved understanding of subtle hazards that can be high risk for motorcyclists. Over 130 staff and contractors were trained.
Learner and novice rider support pack
Cost: $160,000
Start date: 2019
End date: 2020
To provide learner and novice riders with additional motorcycle safety information after they have successfully passed through the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing Scheme.
Funding to support the VicRoads contribution to the Moto-CAP motorcycle protective clothing star rating scheme
Cost: $300,000 ($100K per year)
Start date: $2018
End date: 2021
The scheme aims to:
- Provide informed point-of-sale consumer advice to motorcycle and scooter riders when purchasing protective clothing
- Improve the quality of protective clothing brought to the market by manufacturers
Proactive motorcycle safety route improvements on Western Port Road (approx. 29km) between Drouin-Korumburra Road and South Gippsland Highway
Cost: $499,000
Start date: 2019
End date: 2019
Multiple treatments including:
- Protection of guard fence with PolyBuffer, rub-rail and rubber cap treatments
- Treatment of localised distressed pavements
- Sealing of bell-mouths
Variable Message Sign (VMS) Motorcycle Road Safety Campaign targeting high risk motorcycle locations across the state
Cost: $150,000
Start date: 2019
End date: 2019
Deployment of VMS across the state at high risk locations as an immediate response to put downward pressure on the rising motorcycle road toll.
Other initiatives funded by the Motorcycle Safety Levy
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Every Second, always on campaign (2019)
VicRoads, in partnership with the Transport Accident Commission launched the Every second - always on campaign in June 2019 which encourages riders to brush up on their safe riding skills and knowledge.
The campaign highlights the need for motorcyclists to be constantly vigilant and focuses on key contributors to crashes including:
- speed
- cornering
- road positioning
- road hazards
- other road users
It also includes an online quiz (External link) to test and refresh motorcyclists’ knowledge of safe riding behaviour and road rules.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) campaign (2017)
ABS on motorcycles prevents wheel locking and increases stability.
Bikes with ABS are safer and encourage those looking to purchase a bike to buy one with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Lane filtering: Go with the flow (2017)
Lane filtering is when a motorcycle or scooter travels at low speeds through stopped or slow-moving traffic. It is legal in Victoria and affects all road users. For a quick explanation of motorcycle lane filtering, take a look at this short video. More information on lane filtering.
A list of previously completed projects can be found here [DOC 139 Kb]
Governance
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) exists between the Department of Transport (formerly VicRoads) and the TAC that governs the process for the development and approval of motorcycle safety levy projects.
To guide the investment of funds, a Strategic Guide for the Expenditure of the Motorcycle Safety Levy (the Guide) was developed. The Guide was initially created by the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) in consultation with road safety professionals and the Victorian Motorcycle Advisory Council (VMAC).
The following objectives need to be met for a project to be approved:
- Significantly improve the safety of riders by addressing the key issues in rider safety.
- Where the expected benefits to riders exceed the cost of the program.
- Would not otherwise be funded from other road safety budgets.
Download a copy of the Guide [DOC 328 Kb]