Doohan Backs TAC Call to End Motorbike Carnage

15 Oct 2010

MEDIA RELEASE: 15th October 2010

On the eve of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix World Champion Mick Doohan is joining the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and Victoria Police in their bid to increase rider safety and stop this year's motorcycle death rate soaring even higher.

The call to end the carnage comes just five days after comments made by Mick Doohan regarding motorcycle rider education were published in the Herald Sun. 

Today Mr. Doohan will support the TAC as they launch their 12th MotoGP campaign focussing on educating riders about the importance of wearing protective clothing and riding within your limits.

Over the event's three days more than 100,000 riders will be exposed to extensive TAC signage and interactive safety displays, which include the Spokes.com.au stand promoting the protective clothing message.

At the GP, the TAC also coordinates shuttle buses between the race track and surrounding townships, as well as a helmet storage facility for riders.

A TAC Rider Reviver stand has also been set up at Tooradin, the first-ever motorcycle-specific rest stop to encourage riders to take a break on their trip to and from the GP.

TAC Road Safety Manager, Sam Cockfield, said there was no time like the present to highlight the risks involved in riding a motorcycle.

"Already this year 41 motorcyclists have been killed on Victorian roads, 71 per cent higher than this time last year," Ms Cockfield said.

Every licensed venue on Phillip Island will be fitted out with a TAC breath-testing machine, and mobile breath-testers will roam the GP track to prevent drink driving and riding.

Victoria Police are running one of their biggest ever MotoGP operations in a bid to reduce motorcycle fatalities and ensure safety for all road users.

"More than half of all registered motorcyclists in Victoria travel to this great event and we want to ensure they get there, and home, safely," Ms Cockfield said.