The Victorian Government has committed to legalising the practice of motorcycle lane filtering. Motorcycle lane filtering is when a motorcycle rider moves alongside vehicles that have either stopped or are moving slowly at less than 30km/h.
Previously this practice was illegal in most Australian jurisdictions, but nevertheless occurred on a regular basis. Recent regulatory changes in New South Wales and Queensland have resulted in motorcycle filtering now being allowed within certain parameters. VicRoads is currently developing principles that will support similar regulatory changes in Victoria.
Research conducted in Victoria by Monash University Accident Research Centre found that 1 in 4 pedestrian-related collisions occur at intersections and some aspects of motorcycle filtering may perpetuate this.
Pedestrians who are blind or have low vision are more likely to rely on their other senses and non-visual skills when walking, and especially when crossing roads, and may not be aware of a motorcyclist filtering in stopped traffic until the motorcycle arrives suddenly near or in the path of travel.
After a motorcycle has filtered through traffic the rider may stop in front of cars beyond the stop line at intersections, where the rider may obstruct or block the pedestrian path of travel, or impact on pedestrian safety by causing disorientation for a pedestrian who is blind or has low vision in the middle of crossing.
Vision Australia wishes to see the practice of motorcycle filtering remain prohibited, and for the law to be vigorously enforced. However, if motorcycle filtering is legalised we urge VicRoads to prioritise safe pedestrian access and ensure the regulations properly address the safety risk motorcycle filtering and stopping could pose at intersection pedestrian crossings, and that those regulations be strictly enforced.
Previously this practice was illegal in most Australian jurisdictions, but nevertheless occurred on a regular basis. Recent regulatory changes in New South Wales and Queensland have resulted in motorcycle filtering now being allowed within certain parameters. VicRoads is currently developing principles that will support similar regulatory changes in Victoria.
Research conducted in Victoria by Monash University Accident Research Centre found that 1 in 4 pedestrian-related collisions occur at intersections and some aspects of motorcycle filtering may perpetuate this.
Pedestrians who are blind or have low vision are more likely to rely on their other senses and non-visual skills when walking, and especially when crossing roads, and may not be aware of a motorcyclist filtering in stopped traffic until the motorcycle arrives suddenly near or in the path of travel.
After a motorcycle has filtered through traffic the rider may stop in front of cars beyond the stop line at intersections, where the rider may obstruct or block the pedestrian path of travel, or impact on pedestrian safety by causing disorientation for a pedestrian who is blind or has low vision in the middle of crossing.
Vision Australia wishes to see the practice of motorcycle filtering remain prohibited, and for the law to be vigorously enforced. However, if motorcycle filtering is legalised we urge VicRoads to prioritise safe pedestrian access and ensure the regulations properly address the safety risk motorcycle filtering and stopping could pose at intersection pedestrian crossings, and that those regulations be strictly enforced.