❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses the safety of wire-roped median barriers on the Kwinana Freeway for motorcyclists, questioning their installation despite potential dangers. The response defends the barriers, citing a lack of evidence of increased risk and overall safety benefits.
AnsweredQoN 1660Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Are the ‘wire roped’ median barriers on the Kwinana Freeway known to be dangerous to motor cyclists if hit by a rider?
(2) If so, why were these installed rather than barriers of a safer nature?
(2) If so, why were these installed rather than barriers of a safer nature?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
7 May 2002
Responded by
Minister for Planning and Infrastructure
Response time
47 days
Main Roads is a member of the Motor Cyclist Reference Group, which also includes representation from the Motorcycle Riders Association, motorcycle manufacturers, retailers, rider trainers and road user groups. While there was some concern raised when the barriers were initially introduced, these concerns have not been realised and as with all types of barrier, it is the posts which present the greatest potential for injury. Main Roads is aware of only one crash involving a motorcyclist hitting this type of barrier and this was an injury only accident. By contrast, in 1996 alone, over 70 riders lost their lives after losing control of their bikes and striking a roadside object such as a tree, pole or other fixed object, or another vehicle. Studies specifically investigating motor cycle crashes with wire ropes have determined that whilst riders are unlikely to be much better off colliding with these, there is no evidence that they will be any worse off. The reality is that regardless of the nature of an object, a motorcycle provides very little protection to its rider in a serious collision.
Main Roads is aware of only one crash involving a motorcyclist hitting this type of barrier and this was an injury only accident. By contrast, in 1996 alone, over 70 riders lost their lives after losing control of their bikes and striking a roadside object such as a tree, pole or other fixed object, or another vehicle. Studies specifically investigating motor cycle crashes with wire ropes have determined that whilst riders are unlikely to be much better off colliding with these, there is no evidence that they will be any worse off. The reality is that regardless of the nature of an object, a motorcycle provides very little protection to its rider in a serious collision.
Studies specifically investigating motor cycle crashes with wire ropes have determined that whilst riders are unlikely to be much better off colliding with these, there is no evidence that they will be any worse off. The reality is that regardless of the nature of an object, a motorcycle provides very little protection to its rider in a serious collision.
Main Roads is aware of only one crash involving a motorcyclist hitting this type of barrier and this was an injury only accident. By contrast, in 1996 alone, over 70 riders lost their lives after losing control of their bikes and striking a roadside object such as a tree, pole or other fixed object, or another vehicle. Studies specifically investigating motor cycle crashes with wire ropes have determined that whilst riders are unlikely to be much better off colliding with these, there is no evidence that they will be any worse off. The reality is that regardless of the nature of an object, a motorcycle provides very little protection to its rider in a serious collision.
Studies specifically investigating motor cycle crashes with wire ropes have determined that whilst riders are unlikely to be much better off colliding with these, there is no evidence that they will be any worse off. The reality is that regardless of the nature of an object, a motorcycle provides very little protection to its rider in a serious collision.
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