news, latest-news

The ACT will trial motorcycle lane filtering from February next year, allowing riders to move between stationary or slow moving vehicles in the same lane. A two-year trial of the filtering will start on February 1, 2015. "One of the benefits of lane filtering is it allows motorcyclists to move quickly and safely away from congested areas of traffic. This provides motorcyclists with an opportunity to have the front position in a lane – away from other traffic," said Attorney General Simon Corbell. "Lane filtering is not the same as lane splitting which is done at higher speeds and increases the unpredictability of motorcyclist movements for other road users." Lane filtering was legalised in New South Wales two months ago after a trial in Sydney showed it's a relatively low risk riding activity for motorcyclists in low speed traffic situations. There motorcyclists are restricted to a 30km/h speed limit when engaging in lane filtering and are also prohibited from lane filtering next to a kerb or within a school zone. The ACT trial will have the same conditions, with filtering also prohibited in bicycle and breakdown lanes, past heavy vehicles and buses, and restricted to fully licensed motorcyclists. "This trial will cover the whole of the ACT and will include a number of conditions aimed at making the practice safe for motorcyclists and all other road users," Mr Corbell said. "I am aware that some motorists feel annoyed when they see motorcyclists filtering through traffic, however, given the low risk nature of this trial, there is a need for all road users to demonstrate understanding and compromise in order to achieve the desired 'share the road' culture." The trial comes after a Legislative Assembly report following an inquiry into vulnerable road users included a recommendation a trial of motorcycle lane filtering be conducted by March 2015. Commenting after the trial was first mooted in July, Motorcycle Riders Association of the ACT president Steve Robson supported the idea and commended the 30km/h restriction, believing it to be vital for the safety of motorcyclists and other road users. "The last thing we want is for a motorcyclist to endanger themselves or anyone else as a result of exceeding speed limits and moving too quickly between traffic," he said. Maurice Blackburn law firm has been advocating for lane filtering legislation, and has been behind an online campaign and video for the laws. It cites a 2009 European study on motorcycle accidents showing lane filtering is safer for riders. Maurice Blackburn principal, Walter Hawkins, said the ACT trial would reduce confusion for riders and others in the ACT, who regularly crossed borders into NSW. More information on the lane filtering trial is available on the JACS website. - with Gemma Varcoe

https://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/da7fa804-b046-42ca-8639-1ff66e9748fb.jpg/r0_59_1000_624_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg