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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 3 Hansard (23 March) . . Page.. 701 ..

MR MOORE (continuing):

More importantly, the statistical evidence, particularly the evidence from Monash University's accident research centre, has drawn attention to the fact that where the bikes are less than 250-cc there is a much lower accident rate. It may well be that that is how they have sought to interpret data. It may well be also that if we had looked at the ratio that Mr Rugendyke is talking about, the power-to-weight ratio, we would find that below a certain power-to-weight ratio there are much fewer accidents. We do not have that information before us. As I say, I think that the compromise put up by Mr Rugendyke is quite sensible.

People know when they are buying bikes that there is a difference in them, apart from the people who are doing long-distance travel or something along those lines. Those of us in the Assembly who have ridden one, and I must say that it is some years since I have ridden to any extent, know that there is a major difference between riding a fairly light bike - like the one that I owned, which was a 175-cc trail bike - and riding the big bikes. When you are on them you just know the difference. It is very hard to describe, but anybody who has ridden one of those big bikes knows the difference in feeling and the difference in sensation. After all, we are looking at a safety issue.

Mr Kaine: It is exhilarating.

Ms Tucker: Come on, boys! It is boys' talk here.

MR MOORE: I hear an interjection from Ms Tucker about boys and boys' talk. I am sure that there is an element of that, Mr Speaker, but, dare I say, at the time I was not the person who was riding the big bike the hardest in our family; it was somebody else. I must say that there is an element of truth in what Ms Tucker says. There is the same element of truth in what has been said about young people and powerful bikes. It is usually young men and powerful bikes that give this mixture. It goes with young people. Part of growing up is about risk taking and getting a buzz from big bikes. It is that mixture of elements that we are trying to deal with here in trying to increase safety. I am sure that all members are interested in increased safety on our roads.

MS TUCKER (4.09): I wish to speak to the whole three Bills. I have not spoken yet on them. These three Bills correct a number of anomalies or make improvements in the existing legislation governing motor traffic, such as allowing the use of multiple-bay parking meters, allowing a licence or registration to be cancelled when payment is made by a dishonoured cheque, standardising the grounds for refusal or cancellation of a licence, correcting some penalty provisions and amending the definition of pelican crossings. These changes seem fine and I have no problem with them. The only area where I have a problem - - -

Mr Osborne: Greens MLA supports bigger bikes! Greens MLA supports damage to ozone layer.

Mr Rugendyke: I take a point of order, Mr Speaker. I draw your attention to the standing order that would permit Ms Tucker to make her speech without interjections.

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