Everyone’s favourite riding state of Tasmania goes to the polls on May 1, 2021, and several candidates who are also riders have pledged to support various motorcycling issues
Green candidate for Braddon Tammy Milne rides a Suzuki 650 Bergman, while Independents Jax Ewin rides a Honda CBR500R and Matthew Morgan rides a Ducati ST4.
Apart from Taswegians, the issues, such as the rollout of wire rope barriers, will also affect interstate riders who like to visit and ride a lap of the famous Apple Isle.
MBW doesn’t suggest how you should vote, but the Motorcycle Riders Association of Australia contacted all the candidates with an email address to ask for their views on various issues.
You can read the full party replies on MRAA spokesman Damien Codognotto’s Facebook page.
“It seems to me that the big three (parties) down here are trying to cover their lack of motorcycle policy by sending ads,” he says.
“So far we have nothing official related to road motorcycles or scooters from the Libs, Labor or the Greens.
“We have been told by candidates that they are working on putting out something compatible with their transport policies but nothing to April 20. Pretty poor really.”
UPDATE
Labor has now responded with the following:
Tasmanian Labor recognises the significant role of the MRA as a representative voice for the 24,000 road riders across our state.
I am happy to advise you and the MRA membership that Tasmanian Labor agrees that there should be a southern Tasmanian representative on the Road Safety Advisory Committee with a voice for motorcyclists.
In respect of wire rope barriers, a Labor Government will continue to engage with the road riding community to address this important safety issue.
Further, a Labor Government will commit to a full review of motorcycle and scooter parking in Hobart, Launceston, other local government areas and the airports through comprehensive stakeholder engagement including with councils.
Finally, Tasmanian Labor is completely supportive of the MRAT Toy Run, and will commit in Government to working in partnership with MRAT to develop expanded opportunities for local and touring road riders across the state.
Independent candidates who do not ride motorcycles have made positive responses to the MRAA’s policy concerns.
They include:
- Reducing the number of animal strikes on roads;
- A motorcycle representative for southern Tasmania on the Premier’s Road Safety Committee;
- Stop the roll out of wire rope barriers;
- Work with city councils to improve motorcycle parking;
- Encourage intra and interstate motorcycle tourism; and
- Review Compulsory Third Party insurance premiums and introduce no-claim-bonuses.
“In 2022 we will be contacting all candidates in the Victorian election,” Damien says.
“We think rider reps in other states and territories should do likewise.”