TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018

NEW ZEALAND’S work to make our roads motorcycle-friendly has been acknowledged by the international Prince Michael Road Safety Award.

The “Making Roads Motorcycle Friendly Guide” was recognised for its innovative approach to motorcycle safety at the 30th anniversary of the awards in London.

The Motorcycle Advisory Council (MSAC) developed the guide alongside the NZ Transport Agency and VicRoads Australia.

MSAC chair Mark Gilbert says he is proud of the Guide and what it has achieved.

“The guide provides practical advice to Road Controlling Authorities and roading contractors on improvements that could save motorcyclists’ lives,” he says

“Along with the Transport Agency, we have used its approach to guide investment in upgrades to two of our most popular motorcycle routes – the Northern and Southern Coromandel Loop.

“These upgrades demonstrated how new design and safety interventions on existing roads could reduce risk and make the roads safer for motorcyclists.

“It helps the designers see things through the motorcyclist’s lens.”

The Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council is now working with the Transport Agency to roll-out the recommendations from the Guide to the rest of New Zealand.

“It is critical that all contractors take these new recommendations on board to make sure our roads are of a consistent standard for all motorcycle riders, limiting surprises with a focus on zero harm,” says Gilbert.

The Prince Michael Road Safety Awards were established in 1987. The awards are an internationally recognised standard for excellence in road safety innovation.

ENDS

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