EXCLUDING motorbikes from a recent speed limit increase for L2 and P1 drivers has drawn online criticism from some Tasmanian motorcyclists.
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Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding this week announced an increased speed limit up to 100km/h for L2 and P1 drivers, to be implemented on March 2.
Mr Hidding said a 30km/h speed difference in traffic was unsafe for learners and provisional drivers but did not extend alterations to motorbikes.
Launceston motorcyclist Simon Hancock said it was ‘‘absurd’’ to apply one rule for cars but not to motorbikes.
‘‘You feel pretty vulnerable on a motorbike without having to go 30km/h slower,’’ Mr Hancock said.
‘‘I’ve kind of avoided riding anywhere that’s over 80km/h. I think a lot of people do — it means you don’t get that highway experience.’’
A spokesman for Mr Hidding said motorcyclists were vulnerable road users and over-represented in the state’s serious crash statistics.
The spokesman said an election commitment review of motorcyclist training was under way to determine the best safety practices.
Tasmanian Motorcycle Council president Paul Bullock said 40 per cent of all motorbike claims to MAIB were learner and provisional riders.
‘‘Twenty-eight per cent of all claims to MAIB are learners,’’ Mr Bullock said.
‘‘You couldn’t increase the speed limit: you’d be looking at opening Pandora’s Box.’’
He said he supported the government’s decision to increase speed limits and that the training review was due before July.
‘‘If training improves and drops the claims for accidents, then I’m sure the motorcycle council would be 100 per cent behind a review on whether speed can be increased or not,’’ he said.