http://www.news.com.au/technology/i...ns-cory-bernardi/story-fnjwucvh-1227133922794 Interesting... doubt it will ever happen.. but a cool idea all the same INFLUENTIAL Liberal senator Cory Bernardi wants all learner drivers to be taught how to handle a motorbike as well — even if they don’t intend to ride one. He called for this “really important step” to teach drivers the perils of the road for bikers, usually from cars and trucks. “I think it’s really good that they understand what motorcyclists go through on the road” Senator Bernardi told news.com.au. “Ultimately, if car drivers are more aware of motorcyclists, it’s going to be safer for the motorcyclists and for the motor vehicle drivers themselves. I think it’s a really important step.” Some 170 motorbike riders die each year in road accidents, and many more are seriously injured to the extent that one TV program on bikers is using the black humour title Temporary Australians. The number of registered motorcycles in Australia has doubled in the past ten years to close on 800,000, and this figure is growing by around six per cent a year. The chairman of the Motorcycle Council of Australia Shaun Lennard today told MPs there should be a national standard for rider training. “In Queensland, the previous government introduced a requirement that you have to have held a car licence for a year before you can get a motorcycle learner’s permit,” Mr Lennard told a breakfast function in Parliament House. “That’s not about motorcycle safety; it’s a measure to discourage motorcycling.” “And the Victorian government has introduced a requirement for high-viz vests for novice riders, when there is very little in the way of evidence to support this and some that actually recommends against it.” Mr Lennard was addressing the fifth annual MPs and Senators motorcycle event which yesterday included a ride through Canberra with Senator Bernardi, Motoring Enthusiast Party’s Ricky Muir and Liberal Democrat senator David Leyonhjelm. They and Labor MPs Bernie Ripoll and Andrew Leigh, hope to form a Friends of Motorcycling group within Parliament to lobby for biker issues and make clear most riders are law-abiding, and bikes are an answer to some transport problems. “Congestion in our larger cities is frequently discussed, and it’s always a focus on three areas — public transport, walking and cycling,” said Mr Lennard. “Rarely are motorcycles and scooters even mentioned as part of the transport solution. “This overlooks the importance of personal mobility and access, particularly over distances where walking or cycling are impractical for the majority. Individuals travel from literally millions of different starting points to just as many destinations on a daily basis in this country.” Backed by the Motorcycle Council of Australia, the Friends of Motorcyclists group’s aim is not only to improve safety on our roads, but to show that most bikers are ordinary Australians and not the criminals who feature in news reports.
Sounds like a really good idea. I agree that it's unlikely to gain traction though - more's the pity!
We should all salute this man as he has a vision devoid of blinkered outlook!! Every statement has valid thought towards the plight of motorcyclist and drivers in general. If you don't understand the problem there is nil chance of rectifying it. Would having all drivers pass a riding test on a bike give them better understanding, that is a GIVEN !!!!! I would also like this taken even a step further, a stint behind the wheel of a truck. Give the public an understanding of what is involved in handling and pulling up a vehicle of this size and weight. Armed with that knowledge perhaps some stupid stunts on our highways and road could or should become less visible. Better comprehension of what others endure on our roads can, in my opinion only lead to a safer environment for all. Senator Bernardi, you have my vote and please keep pressing for change, think you are on the right track.
Have always thought that riding before driving to be a good idea. Will not be holding my breath waiting for it to become legistation.
Yes. Just this morning on the way to work, the first roundabout 50m from the house, I entered it and a sedan came flying from the left and failed to give way... could have killed me he if had his headlights off and I didn't see him.
see learning to ride a bike wouldn't do anything to combat c**ts who drive like this, some people just truly are ignorant or complete idiots, nearly every time i ride i will see someone like this and people think i make it up to make my story of bad drivers more credible. fact of the matter is, 99% of drivers think bike riders are the problem speeding and weaving through traffic, learning to ride would show them how vulnerable we are on the road but wouldn't do anything to make people more attentive. few weeks back i went for a ride and came around a corner and a car was overtaking a cyclist mid corner, who would think that is possibly a good idea? and getting people to learn in trucks aswell, most people cant handle an automatic camry let alone a 9 speed eaton. I honestly feel safer next to an 18 wheeler than some broad in a hatchback.
Agree with you there about the trucks, and particulary if said Broad has a green P plate and mobile phone. Another way to look at this question is that it would get rid of a lot of dead wood from the driving pool before they got into a car, then the pollies would get on to maybe doing something about the road carnage to make it safer for those that remained.
thats right i have my hr licence and am a better driver for it, you need full attention and learn to respect trucks on the road. they do not pull up too well
this times 1000000 - I see everything, on the phone, texting, reading - right down to just plain daydreaming with no awareness of anything else, never check mirrors, can't or won't head check, change lanes then indicate - I treat everyone with suspicion and that works for me
