Almost every road in Tasmania is a motorcycle rider’s paradise with more corners than you can count. But there are also many dangers for riders.
In spring and summer the state experiences a wave of visiting riders. So the Tasmanian Road Safety Advisory Council (RSAC) has completed a short five-minute motorcycle video (V-log) to educate interstate motorcyclists about the joys and dangers of Tassie roads.
The RSAC says that from 2010 to 2014, there were 1249 serious casualty crashes, with 131 of these involving tourists.
“Interstate motorcycle riders made up nearly half (46%) of these crashes and of these 86% involved a single motorcycle,” the video says at the start. They are sobering statistics!
The V-log aims to reduce interstate motorcycle rider crashes in Tasmania, striking a balance between safety nanny and tourist guide, showcasing some of the most beautiful parts of Tasmania.
It features multi-Australian Superbike Champion Malcolm Campbell and interstate motorcycle club member Lester Knowles. They ride parts of Tasmania seeing breathtaking scenery while discussing what to look out for to make the ride as safe and enjoyable as possible.
Shorter distances
One of the interesting points is that they recommend no more than 300km in a day. That’s nothing for most mainland riders. However, the constant twisting roads, slippery surfaces, quickly changing weather conditions, stray wildlife and occasional logging trucks make 300km in Tasmania quite exhausting.
Besides, you’ll want to stop a lot to check out the scenery along the spectacular coast, through the dramatic mountains and in the quaint towns.
”Tasmania is a rider’s dream with plenty of tight bends, sweeping corners, long straights, little traffic and great scenery which makes it fantastic for touring – but there are plenty to challenge even the best riders,” the RSAC release says.
Great to know that at least one state welcomes motorcyclists and wants our return patronage!
Black Dog Ride to Tasmania
In 2017, the Black Dog Ride will visit the state for the first time. Founder Steve Andrews recommends riders check out the video before they attend.
Steve says they have organised discounts with the Spirit of Tasmania ferry. They have organised to get all riders across within 24 hours.
Black Dog Riders in every state and territory will leave in late October 2017 to ride throughout regional Australia.
Along the way, they will raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention, culminating in a national meet-up in Hobart on November 5-6.
Steve says there is already a lot of interest in the ride, but numbers will be capped. Registrations open in mid-November and we will alert readers.