The Andrews Labor Government has started works to further improve safety for motorcyclists and cyclists across one of the most popular tourist and training routes in Melbourne’s north-east.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said the works on Heidelberg-Kinglake Road in St Andrews will reduce the number and severity of crashes involving some of our most vulnerable road users along this road.
New protective features such as safety barriers fitted with rub rails are being installed between Buttermans Track and Dinsdale Road to protect all road users from run-off-road crashes.
Over the five-year period to June 2020, there were 23 recorded motorcycle incidents along this section of Heidelberg-Kinglake Road, 13 of which resulted in serious injury and tragically one fatality.
It follows works completed in August this year between Buttermans Track and Mt Jerusalem Track which included upgrades to asphalting and linemarking, removal of hazardous telecommunication poles, and the installation of additional signage.
The works are being delivered as part of the Motorcycle Safety Levy program, which is investing in a number of targeted safety initiatives including infrastructure upgrades and an educational program.
It comes during the inaugural Motorcyclist Awareness Month spearheaded by Victoria’s Motorcycling Community Engagement Panel, in collaboration with the Labor Government, Transport Accident Commission, Department of Transport and Victoria Police.
Motorcyclist Awareness Month aims to remind motorists that road safety is a shared responsibility and that everyone has a role to play in keeping the roads safe.
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll
“Sadly, motorcyclists are over-represented in crashes and are completely exposed to the full force of collisions. These improvements along Heidelberg-Kinglake Road will create a safer road for some of our most vulnerable road users.
“Only Labor is focused on protect some of our most vulnerable road users but implementing projects that help save lives and improve road safety for all road users, including motorcyclists.”
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“We will continue to look at ways we can deliver safety improvements for all road users along this popular scenic route – we know these new rub rails will go a long way to saving the lives of motorcyclists on Heidelberg-Kinglake Road.”
