Via the MCC list. ============= Looks like talkin' to 'em paid off for road-riders..... If anyone is moved to write and say "Good on you" Lee is at: [email][/email] Having beem a former advisor to several pollies, I can tell you, thanks is not something you get a lot of! Goes a long way. Cheers, Simon Motorcycle boom demands lower tolls, better parking and bus lane access Greens MP and transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon is calling for a better deal for motorcyclists in NSW in the face of climate change, rocketing petrol prices and a boom in sales, with 18 percent more on on-road motorcycles sold in 2007 than 2006 across Australia (page X, Sun Herald). The Greens NSW have initiated its first motorcycle policy, calling for: · lower tollway fees for motorcycles than cars (identical tolls now paid in NSW) · extra parking for motorcycles · motorcycles to use all on-road bus lanes (not bus only T-ways/buses to retain right of way). "With rocketing petrol prices, commuters are increasingly turning to motorcycles, particularly in areas poorly serviced by public transport like Western Sydney," Ms Rhiannon said. "Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal should be encouraging motorcycling. They use less fuel and create fewer emissions in their production and use. Motorcycles reduce congestion, parking problems and road wear and tear. "Ideally, commuters would be accommodated by a top-class public transport system but as the NSW government has failed to provide this then motorcycles are a good alternative. "Motorcyclists should pay lower tolls than cars. NSW is the only state that tolls motorcycles at the same rates as cars. In Victoria, motorcyclists pay no tolls and in Queensland they pay 30-50 percent of the car toll. "On city streets which already have car parking spaces, the Greens are calling for first and last spaces on each street to be dedicated to motorcycle only parking. "One car parking space can be used more efficiently for motorcyclists, accommodating eight motorcycles. Vision at intersections will also be improved. "Allowing motorcycles in bus-only lanes already occurs in the ACT on the basis it improves traffic flow and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. "It's safer for motorcyclists to use bus lanes because one of the most frequent types of accidents involves motorcycles being rear-ended by a car while stopped at traffic lights," Ms Rhiannon said. Nearly 130,000 motorcycles were sold in 2007. Smaller motorcycles are selling well, with the most popular selling road bike being the kind of scooter used by posties. For more information: Lee Rhiannon 0427 861 568. Latest motorcycle sale figures: [URL]http://www.fcai.com.au/motorcycles.php/2008/01/00000020.html[/URL]
