Media release
From the Minister for Roads and Ports
Friday, 28 March, 2008
Brumby government boosts Blackspur
motorcycle safety
The Minister for Roads and
Ports, Tim Pallas, today announced $547,000 to improve motorcycle safety on the
Mr Pallas said the Black Spur
was a popular spot for motorcyclists, yet the crash rate was too high.
“The
“While it provides a
beautiful ride for motorcyclists and attracts riders from around the state, the
country, as well as some international motorcycle enthusiasts, the roadside is
particularly hazardous. The road is in close proximity to surrounding
embankments and mature trees.”
“In the five years to
December 2006 there were 82 casualty crashes, and 43 per cent of these were
motorcycle crashes. Of the motorcycle crashes, 74 per cent did not involve any
other vehicle.”
Works to improve safety in
this area include:
- shoulder sealing at some curves;
- provision of additional curve alignment markers;
- installation of guard rail with protection for riders
(rub rail);
- installation of rub rail on some existing guard rail;
- installation of motorcycle high-risk area warning signs;
- installation of additional guide posts; and
- speed reduction from 100km/h to 80km/h.
Mr Pallas said the most
significant measure to reduce crashes was the reduction in the speed limit.
“Recent community
consultation showed 70 per cent of people in the area support a speed reduction
from 100km/h to 80km/h because it will save lives,” Mr Pallas said.
“The shoulder sealing works
will provide motorcyclists with recovery areas and reduce the incidence of
loose gravel being swept onto the road.
“Guard rail with rub rail
will lessen the severity of motorcyclist run-off-road crashes and additional
guide posts will reduce the number of these types of crashes.
“These new safety works come
on top of previous projects along the Blackspur, including pavement
resurfacing, the installation of new advisory speed signs, curve alignment
markers and rub rail on a section of existing guard rail.
“These projects demonstrate
the Brumby Government’s ongoing commitment to motorcycle safety.”