A LIFE saving road safety program targeting middle aged motorcyclists is set to be rolled out in Mundoolun later this month.
After achieving positive results with 150 motor bike riders in the Gold Coast, Motorcycle Life operator Steve McDowall is partnering with the Queensland government, Logan Council, police and Australian Road Safety Foundation for 40 Logan motorcyclists to benefit from the Smart Rider program.
The program guides motorbike riders through theory and practical sessions to identify road hazards, understand how to correctly use motorcycle controls and correct common bad habits.
Jimboomba police officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Peter Waugh said the West Logan area was a hot spot for motor bike riders who may require a refresher course in road safety.
“Statistics show that middle aged riders are more likely to be involved in serious or fatal accidents and that is why we are targeting them,” he said.
Motorcycle Life operator McDowall said there was a wealth of information motorcycle enthusiasts could pick up through the program.
“The program targets riders in the 50 plus age group...those guys might have gotten their licence at a time when the licencing system was a lot more lenient then it is now,” he said.
“They possibly came into (motorbike) riding with poor skills and poor understanding and took a long break before coming into riding...their skills may not be as sharp as they used to be which is why they are now our high risk group.
“We have seen people come through the course who at the beginning of the day could not corner correctly, and by the end of the day they are following nice road lines.”
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McDowall said the Smart Rider program was rolled out in conjunction with the MATES road safety initiative at the Gold Coast in 2008 with fatalities dropping from nine in 2008 to seven in 2009 to three in 2010.
“During the same period, the fatality rates in the adjacent areas of Logan City and Scenic Rim stayed steady...” he said.
“Whilst there is no research data to definitively link the decline in fatalities to the operation of the two projects, empirically, it would appear that the programs had significant input into the results.”
Logan councillor Laurie Koranski said she was delighted to see the program service the entire Logan community.
“It is about keeping our community safe,” she said.
The program will be held at the Mundoolun Community Centre on Scarborough Court from 8am on Saturday, November 24.
There will be a second workshop on Sunday, December 9.
Logan residents can register for the program by visiting the website or by calling 1300 961 335.
Non-Logan residents will be charged a fee.
