The introduction of lane filtering a year ago has reduced congestion on major roads and reduced the risk of injury to riders says the Motorcycle Council of NSW.
Vice chairman Christopher Burns says in a press release that NSW led the way in July 2014 by introducing lane filtering which has since been followed by Queensland, a trial in the ACT, and impending introduction in Victoria and the American states of Washington, Texas, Oregon and Tennessee.
“Despite initial concerns raised when Lane Filtering was first introduced the sky did not fall in,” he says.
“Lane filtering has proven safety benefits, removing riders from the high risk zone of the most common collision in Australia, the rear ender, and thereby reduces the likelihood of injury to riders.
“The fact that so many other Australian states are introducing this measure, as well as overseas jurisdictions, clearly shows there is merit in this initiative, reducing congestion on major roads and reducing the risk of injury to riders.”
Unfortunately, the laws vary from state to state, causing some confusion among riders.
He thanked the NSW Government for introducing this “common sense scheme”.
“Lane filtering shows that NSW is once again a leader in road safety initiatives,” he says in the statement.
The gushing press release seems designed to butter-up the government and encourage it to further implement motorcycle-friendly laws.
“Encouraging the use of motorcycles and scooters in Central Business Districts also relieves parking issues for local councils as five motorcycles will fit in the space of a single car,” Chris says.